Strategic Plant Controller: Profitability & Ops Leader

Client Growth Resources, Inc; Lake Forest (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Client Growth Resources, Inc. seeks a Plant Controller to lead financial direction for a major manufacturing facility, partnering with operations to improve profitability, manage costing, budgeting, and capital planning, and develop the Accounting team.

You'll oversee month-end and year-end closes, inventory accounting, and internal controls, while driving cash flow, working capital management, and strategic financial analysis to support operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7-10 years of Controller or Plant Controller experience in manufacturing.
• 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 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.

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 and reduce costs.
• 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 accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support Quality, Environmental, and Material Management Systems by ensuring financial compliance with applicable company standards.

Skills

Financial leadership

Operations partnering

GAAP knowledge

Excel proficiency

Cost accounting

Inventory accounting

Capex analysis

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Accounting software

MS Excel

Job description

Client Growth Resources, Inc. seeks a Plant Controller to lead financial direction for a major manufacturing facility, partnering with operations to improve profitability, manage costing, budgeting, and capital planning, and develop the Accounting team.

You'll oversee month-end and year-end closes, inventory accounting, and internal controls, while driving cash flow, working capital management, and strategic financial analysis to support operational excellence.