Strategic Plant Controller | Manufacturing Finance Leader

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC seeks an experienced Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team in a critical manufacturing setting. This role oversees all plant financial operations, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, capital planning, and inventory controls, while developing the accounting team to drive profitability and operating excellence.

The candidate will partner with plant leadership to deliver strategic financial guidance, manage cost controls, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience in manufacturing required.
• Financial leadership experience in a complex manufacturing operation 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.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, capital expenditures, cost accounting, and internal controls.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting or finance teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial operations for the manufacturing facility and ensure accurate 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 decisions.
• Analyze plant performance, costs, and operating results to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost control processes.
• Lead month-end and year-end close activities with GAAP compliance.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team.

Skills

Financial leadership

Excel

Manufacturing accounting

Budgeting and forecasting

Costing and accounting systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP/accounting systems

Job description

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC seeks an experienced Plant Controller to join the plant leadership team in a critical manufacturing setting. This role oversees all plant financial operations, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, capital planning, and inventory controls, while developing the accounting team to drive profitability and operating excellence.

The candidate will partner with plant leadership to deliver strategic financial guidance, manage cost controls, and