Controller

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Reporting to the Director of Operations Finance, the Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial activities at the facility, including cost accounting, inventory management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. The Controller serves as a key business partner to the Plant Leadership Team by providing financial insight and analysis to identify opportunities for improvement and support the delivery of financial and operational goals. This role also requires the ability to work independently to process financial transactions and maintain, update, and reconcile various records, including daily production, bills of material, inventories, and general ledger accounts. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Financial Management and Reporting 

• Prepares and analyzes monthly financial statements for the plant, including variance analysis versus budget, forecast, and prior periods. 

• Ensures accurate and timely month-end close, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and cost allocations. 

• Reviews and monitors cost of goods sold, plant expenditures, and other key financial activity to ensure accuracy, proper classification, and alignment with company policy. 

• Maintains the integrity of the general ledger and ensures compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies. 

Cost Accounting and Inventory Control 

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams, (e.g. Engineering, Operations, Procurement, Sales, and  Marketing), to evaluate costs associated with new designs, production processes and material changes. 

• Analyzes manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead, yields, and production efficiencies) and communicate root causes to operations leadership. 

• Oversees inventory valuation for raw materials, packaging, work‑in‑process, and finished goods.  

• Leads and reconciles cycle counts and annual physical inventories; investigate and resolve discrepancies. 

Budgeting and Forecasting 

• Partners with plant management to develop the annual operating budget and rolling forecasts. 

• Monitors performance against budget and provide forward‑looking insights to support decision‑making. 
• Tracks capital expenditures and support ROI analysis for new projects. 

Operational and Business Partnership 

• Acts as a financial advisor to the Plant Manager and Operations team, supporting productivity, cost‑reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives. 

• Translates financial results into clear, actionable insights for non‑financial stakeholders. 

Systems, Controls, and Compliance 

• Maintains internal controls and supports SOX compliance requirements related to financial reporting, inventory, revenue recognition, cost of goods sold, and plant expenditures. 

• Supports internal and external audits, including documentation and issue resolution. 
• Utilizes ERP systems (JD Edwards or similar) to manage and analyze plant financial data. 
• Performs all other duties as assigned by leadership. 

COMPETENCIES:  

To perform successfully in this role, the Controller must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Key competencies include: 

• Strong communication, organization, planning, and follow-up skills. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and communicate insights clearly. 

• High attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines and maintain accuracy. 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to partner cross-functionally. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. 

• Fundamental understanding of GAAP principles required; CPA or CMA designation preferred but not required. 

• Three to seven years of experience in an accounting or finance role, preferably in a manufacturing or process manufacturing environment. 

• Solid background in cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.