Strategic Plant Controller - Manufacturing Finance Leader

Hire Consulting Services; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hire Consulting Services seeks an experienced Plant Controller to lead financial operations for a complex manufacturing facility in Lake Forest, Illinois. You will drive profitability, manage budgeting and forecasting, and partner with operations to optimize financial performance.

The role requires strong GAAP knowledge, standard costing, and a proven track record in manufacturing accounting. You will mentor the accounting team and ensure compliance with corporate 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.
• 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

Budgeting

Forecasting

GAAP

ERP systems

Inventory control

Cash flow management

Excel

Leadership

Manufacturing accounting

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Hire Consulting Services seeks an experienced Plant Controller to lead financial operations for a complex manufacturing facility in Lake Forest, Illinois. You will drive profitability, manage budgeting and forecasting, and partner with operations to optimize financial performance.

The role requires strong GAAP knowledge, standard costing, and a proven track record in manufacturing accounting. You will mentor the accounting team and ensure compliance with corporate controls.