Plant Finance Controller: Cost & Ops Optimizer

Employbridge; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

EmployBridge seeks an experienced Plant Controller to provide financial leadership and cost oversight in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will partner with plant leadership and operations to improve cost control, financial performance, and operational efficiency.

The role requires hands-on cost accounting, analysis of variances, and close collaboration with the production floor to drive process improvements and cost savings across the plant.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of cost accounting, plant accounting, or manufacturing finance experience.
• Manufacturing experience required; food or high-volume manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory, variance analysis, labor, and overhead.
• Advanced Excel and ERP/reporting system experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Comfortable working closely with operations and spending time on the production floor.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred.
• Local candidates and individuals willing to relocate are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing costs, budgets, forecasts, and operational performance.
• Investigate variances related to labor, materials, waste, inventory, yields, downtime, and overhead.
• Partner with plant leadership to identify cost-saving and process improvement opportunities.
• Maintain standard costs and support inventory accuracy and reconciliations.
• Support month-end close, COGS, accruals, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Provide financial reporting and actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Support pricing, profitability analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing finance

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Production floor collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field

Tools

ERP reporting system

Job description

EmployBridge seeks an experienced Plant Controller to provide financial leadership and cost oversight in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will partner with plant leadership and operations to improve cost control, financial performance, and operational efficiency.

The role requires hands-on cost accounting, analysis of variances, and close collaboration with the production floor to drive process improvements and cost savings across the plant.