US Plant Controller, Specialties

About Us

Elementis is a global specialty chemical company, with 1,300 employees operating 17 manufacturing sites across the globe. At Elementis, we bring a distinctive combination of expertise, innovation, and teamwork to every formulation challenge. We create high-value specialty additives that enhance the performance of our customers' products and make a positive change in the world. Combining our leading positions in the science of materials flow, surface modification, and formulation with access to unique natural materials, Elementis delivers unique chemistry, sustainable solutions to customers in a wide range of markets, including cosmetics, anti-perspirants, decorative and industrial coatings, automotive and ceramics.

Job Description Summary

The US Plant Controller is responsible for plant accounting practices, fiscal records and financial reporting for the New Martinsville and New York manufacturing operations and supporting warehouses. The role provides financial oversight across cost accounting, budgeting, inventory, fixed assets and capital investment, while partnering with plant and supply chain leadership to evaluate operating performance and identify opportunities to improve cost, controls and processes.

Job Description

Responsibilities

1.You lead the monthly plant accounting close, including work order close, manufacturing variancereview, fixed and variable cost analysis, and balance sheet reconciliations for inventory, fixed assets,prepaids and liabilities.

2.You prepare and support the annual operating plan, ongoing forecasts and plant financial reporting,providing clear analysis of costs, budgets, trends and operating performance to plant managementand corporate headquarters.

3. You manage plant product costing and standard costs, ensuring costs appropriately reflect operations and supporting analysis of manufacturing performance and variances.You translate voice of the customer into actionable strategies, ensuring that research and development efforts align with market demands and consumer preferences and requirements.

4. You oversee inventory and fixed asset accounting and controls, including reconciliations, cycle counts, physical inventories and participation in the capital expenditure approval process.

5. You own the local Finario system, maintaining the integrity of recorded amounts and supporting management of the plant capital investment portfolio; you also provide JDE systems support and contribute to plant system development and implementation.

6. You support special projects and identify opportunities to strengthen accounting processes, controls and cost management.

Job Competencies

1. Ensures accountability: You take ownership of accurate and timely plant financial reporting, reconciliations, costing and controls and follow through on issues to maintain reliable financial information.

2. Decision quality: You use financial, operational and cost data to assess alternatives, identify risks and provide sound recommendations related to plant performance, capital investment and cost improvement opportunities.

3. Communicates effectively: You translate financial results and variances into clear, practical information for plant management, supply chain partners and corporate stakeholders.

4. Plan and align: You coordinate close, forecasting, planning, inventory and capital activities against business timelines and priorities while managing multiple deliverables.

Decision making

The role applies independent judgment in day-to-day plant accounting, financial analysis, reconciliations, costing, reporting and process improvement within established policies and controls. The US Plant Controller provides financial analysis and recommendations related to operating performance and capital activity and participates in the capital expenditure approval process. Matters requiring approval follow applicable management oversight and authorization requirements.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced knowledge of plant and manufacturing accounting, including cost accounting, standard costing and manufacturing variance analysis.

• Advanced experience using ERP systems in a manufacturing environment; JD Edwards experience is preferred. Familiarity with capital investment management systems such as Finario is relevant to the role.

• Advanced capability in forecasting, budgeting, financial analysis, inventory control and balance sheet reconciliation.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for financial analysis and reporting; proficiency with PowerPoint, Access and Word

Additional Job Description

Position Requirements

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting required. CPA and/or MBA preferred.

2. Experience: 5-10 years of relevant experience, including prior manufacturing plant accounting experience. Experience as a lead accountant at a plant and chemical industry experience are preferred.

3. IT Skills: Experience with ERP systems is required; JD Edwards experience is preferred. Strong Microsoft

Excel skills and proficiency with PowerPoint, Access and Word are required. 4. Language Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

5. Working arrangements: Site-based role

6. Traveling required: Minimal travelling

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Elementis does not discriminate in hiring or in the terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, arrest record, citizenship or other category protected by federal, state or local laws.  

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected].    Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application status.    EEOC Poster