Strategic Plant Controller - Manufacturing Finance Lead

Top Echelon Software, LLC; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Top Echelon Software, LLC is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team in Illinois. This role leads all plant financial operations, partners with operations, and drives profitability through standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.

The ideal candidate brings 7–10 years of controller experience in manufacturing, deep understanding of manufacturing accounting, and strong Excel/ERP skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience within a manufacturing environment is required.
• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation is required.
• 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 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, reduce costs, and strengthen financial performance.
• 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 effective financial planning and working capital management.
• Conduct internal audits and ensure compliance with corporate financial controls, accounting policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure accounting transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with GAAP and company standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support Quality, Environmental, and Material Management Systems by ensuring financial compliance with applicable company standards.

Skills

Strategic finance partnership

Analytical skills

Leadership and team development

Communication abilities

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Excel

ERP/accounting systems

Job description

Top Echelon Software, LLC is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team in Illinois. This role leads all plant financial operations, partners with operations, and drives profitability through standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.

The ideal candidate brings 7–10 years of controller experience in manufacturing, deep understanding of manufacturing accounting, and strong Excel/ERP skills.