Plant Controller: Strategic Finance Leader, Manufacturing

Aspire Talent Solutions; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire Talent Solutions is seeking a Plant Controller to join a manufacturing leadership team. The role drives financial performance, partners with operations, and leads the accounting function for a complex facility.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of Controller experience in manufacturing, strong Excel and ERP proficiency, and a track record of improving profitability through cost control and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• 7–10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience in manufacturing is required.
• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation is required.
• Strong background in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the manufacturing facility, ensuring accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, performance reports, and management analysis.
• Develop the annual operating budget, business plan, and financial forecasts while monitoring performance against goals.
• Partner with Plant Leadership to provide financial guidance that supports strategic and operational decision-making.
• Analyze plant performance, manufacturing costs, and operating results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.
• Monitor operating expenses and recommend initiatives that improve profitability and reduce costs.
• Lead month-end and year-end close activities while ensuring accounting accuracy and compliance with corporate policies.
• Oversee physical inventory processes and maintain accurate inventory accounting and controls.
• Prepare financial analyses and business cases supporting capital investment requests and major operational initiatives.
• Optimize plant cash flow through working capital management.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with financial controls and policies.
• Ensure transactions are recorded in accordance with GAAP and company standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team and foster accountability and improvement.
• Support Quality, Environmental, and Material Management Systems with financial compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Excel

ERP systems

Cost accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

GAAP

Inventory accounting

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Aspire Talent Solutions is seeking a Plant Controller to join a manufacturing leadership team. The role drives financial performance, partners with operations, and leads the accounting function for a complex facility.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of Controller experience in manufacturing, strong Excel and ERP proficiency, and a track record of improving profitability through cost control and strategic planning.