Plant Finance Controller: Costing, Budgets & Insights

Top Echelon Software LLC; Backus (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon Software LLC is seeking a Plant Controller to lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the plant. You will own the cost accounting structure, analyze production costs, and partner with Plant Manager and operations leadership to drive profitability.

The role requires 5–10+ years in manufacturing or plant-level finance, strong knowledge of US GAAP, standard costing, and advanced Excel modeling. This is a full-time, on-site position located in Minnesota.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5–10+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience.
• Prior experience in manufacturing or plant-level finance strongly required.
• Experience in standard cost accounting required.
• Exposure to budgeting, forecasting, and operational financial analysis.
• Experience supporting plant operations or manufacturing leadership teams.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and manufacturing accounting practices.
• Deep understanding of standard costing, inventory controls, and variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the plant, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Maintain the integrity of the plant’s balance sheet and income statement.
• Own the plant cost accounting structure, including standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost variance analysis.
• Analyze production costs, labor efficiency, material usage, and overhead absorption.
• Monitor and report on key manufacturing metrics such as: cost per unit, scrap and yield, labor utilization, production variances
• Lead the development of the plant’s annual operating budget and periodic forecasts.
• Analyze financial results against budget and forecast, providing detailed variance analysis.
• Provide plant leadership with insights to improve profitability and operational performance.
• Serve as a key business partner to the Plant Manager and operations leadership team.
• Provide financial analysis to support operational initiatives, productivity improvements, and margin expansion.
• Oversee inventory accounting and controls, including cycle counts and annual physical inventories.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting and plant operations.

Skills

US GAAP

Manufacturing accounting

ERP systems

Excel modeling

Variance analysis

Budgeting

Education

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

Tools

Excel

Costing software

Job description

Top Echelon Software LLC is seeking a Plant Controller to lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for the plant. You will own the cost accounting structure, analyze production costs, and partner with Plant Manager and operations leadership to drive profitability.

The role requires 5–10+ years in manufacturing or plant-level finance, strong knowledge of US GAAP, standard costing, and advanced Excel modeling. This is a full-time, on-site position located in Minnesota.