Strategic Plant Controller - Finance Leader in Manufacturing

Essenti Talent; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Essenti Talent is seeking a Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team and drive financial performance in a complex manufacturing environment. The role partners with operations to steer profitability, budgeting and forecasting, and capital planning.

The position oversees accounting, standard costing, inventory controls, and financial reporting, while developing the Accounting team and ensuring compliance with corporate policies and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation.
• Strong background in manufacturing accounting, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Experience partnering with manufacturing operations to improve financial and operational performance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP/accounting systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the manufacturing facility, ensuring accurate, timely, and reliable 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 supporting strategic and operational decisions.
• Analyze plant performance, manufacturing costs, and operating results to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.
• Monitor operating expenses and implement initiatives to improve profitability and reduce costs.
• Lead month-end and year-end close activities with GAAP compliance.
• Oversee physical inventory processes and maintain inventory accounting and controls.
• Prepare financial analyses and business cases for capital investment requests and major initiatives.
• Optimize plant cash flow through working capital management.

Skills

Financial leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Communication

Leadership

Presentation skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/accounting systems

Job description

Essenti Talent is seeking a Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team and drive financial performance in a complex manufacturing environment. The role partners with operations to steer profitability, budgeting and forecasting, and capital planning.

The position oversees accounting, standard costing, inventory controls, and financial reporting, while developing the Accounting team and ensuring compliance with corporate policies and internal controls.