Plant Controller

Plant Controller

Location: On-site
Industry: Manufacturing CPG

The Opportunity

We're partnering with a leading CPG manufacturer to recruit a hands-on Plant Controller who will act as the financial leader for a high-volume manufacturing facility. Please note, if you are not based locally then a relocation package will be offered to assist you in making the relocation.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being on the plant floor as much as behind a spreadsheet. You'll partner closely with Plant Leadership, Operations, Supply Chain and Corporate Finance to provide financial insight, improve performance, strengthen internal controls and support strategic decision-making.

You'll own all aspects of plant financial reporting, cost accounting, inventory controls and budgeting while helping drive continuous improvement across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the finance lead for the manufacturing site, partnering with the Plant Manager and leadership team.
• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual financial close activities, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements, balance sheets, income statements and plant P&L performance.
• Own standard costing, cost accounting, inventory valuation and manufacturing variance analysis.
• Analyze material usage, labor, overhead and production variances, providing actionable recommendations to improve profitability.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts and long-range financial plans for the facility.
• Monitor manufacturing KPIs including labor efficiency, yield, scrap, waste, inventory accuracy, OEE and production costs.
• Lead physical inventory processes and ensure inventory records remain accurate.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company accounting policies and internal controls.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, preparing schedules and supporting documentation.
• Review capital expenditure requests, monitor capital projects and track asset utilization.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve financial processes and strengthen operational performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives alongside Operations, Engineering, Maintenance and Supply Chain.
• Provide financial analysis to support pricing, investment decisions and operational improvements.
• Mentor plant accounting staff where applicable and help develop financial best practices across the site.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline.
• 5+ years of manufacturing finance or plant accounting experience within CPG or high volume environments.
• Strong cost accounting and standard costing experience.
• Proven experience supporting a manufacturing plant and collaborating with operations leadership.
• Experience preparing financial statements, balance sheets, P&L reporting and monthly close.
• Knowledge of inventory accounting, manufacturing variances and fixed assets.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, SOX (where applicable) and audit processes.
• Advanced Excel skills with experience using ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, NetSuite or similar.
• Excellent analytical, communication and business partnering skills.
• CPA, CMA or MBA is beneficial but not required.

Why Join?

• High-impact leadership role within a growing manufacturing operation.
• Strategic partnership with plant leadership and executive finance.
• Opportunity to influence operational performance and profitability.
• Collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment with genuine career progression.