Plant Controller

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago.  We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more.  Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees.  To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.

We currently seek a Plant Controller to join our division located in Avon, CT, and help support our continued business growth. 

This position is responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the Accounting Department for multiple Lightera sites (Avon, CT and Somerset, NJ locations).  This role requires a seasoned financial executive with strong manufacturing accounting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, risk management, reporting, analysis, presentation and decision-making skills. It includes supervising and developing finance team staff, and the development of short and long-term financial plans and forecasts. This includes long-term planning and preparing budgets and forecast for the PL and Cash and assisting with operational excellence programs including Lean Improvements. The objective is to provide customer satisfaction at all levels of the operation and provide fiscal input for decision making.  The Controller is expected to participate and collaborate actively on the Senior Leadership teams of Avon, Somerset and Labs, and the Corporate Finance team.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Financial Reporting & Analysis

Prepare and coordinate financial reports, analyze financial data to identify trends and business opportunities, and present findings to management. 

Budgeting & Forecasting

Develop and help coordinate annual budgets, process budgets, and create financial forecasts for the region. 

Financial Control & Compliance

Implement and enforce financial systems, policies, and controls to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.

Operational Improvement

Work with operations teams to resolve financial issues and drive improvements in profitability and cash flow within the region. 

Team Leadership

Recruit, coach, and develop the financial support staff within the region. 

Annual Audit & Risk Management

Collaborate with the internal audit department and external auditors to ensure recommendations are implemented and to put loss prevention measures in place. 

Strategic Support

Assist management in creating short- and long-term financial goals and strategies. 

Key qualifications include:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Accounting or Finance
• Minimum of 8+ years’ experience
• Background in a Manufacturing environment
• Significant experience in accounting, financial reporting, and management
• CMA or CPA desired
• Working knowledge of JDE and/or SAP systems.

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future.  In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer the following for our employees:

• Competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision and well-being.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a generous match and no vesting period.
• Tuition assistance, on-the-job training and opportunities for growth and advancement. We promote from within. 
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors.  This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.

If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at https://lightera.com/about-us/.

Note: Only those candidates selected for the interview process will be contacted. 

About Lightera
Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide. 

Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications. 

Lightera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.