Strategic Plant Controller — Manufacturing Finance Lead

KingRecruitingServices; Lake Forest (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

KingRecruitingServices is seeking a Plant Controller in Lake Forest, IL to lead the plant's financial direction, partner with operations, and drive profitability and operational excellence across a complex manufacturing environment.

You will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, capital planning, and inventory controls; develop the Accounting team; and guide cost, pricing, and cash‑flow decisions with senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or 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.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, capital expenditures, cost accounting, and internal controls.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting or finance teams.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

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 established 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

Financial leadership

Strategic partnership

GAAP knowledge

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/accounting systems

Job description

KingRecruitingServices is seeking a Plant Controller in Lake Forest, IL to lead the plant's financial direction, partner with operations, and drive profitability and operational excellence across a complex manufacturing environment.

You will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, capital planning, and inventory controls; develop the Accounting team; and guide cost, pricing, and cash‑flow decisions with senior leadership.