Plant Controller

Advertised Job Type: Permanent - Full-time regular employment

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Controller is the operational finance and accounting leader at Plain Dealing Lumber, responsible for the day-to-day management of the Company’s accounting function, financial controls, and reporting. Reporting to the President, the Controller ensures that the Company’s financial records are accurate, complete, and timely; that internal controls are functioning effectively; and that financial information is available to support sound operational and business decisions. The Controller works closely with plant leadership, HR, and the Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. ownership team. This is a hands-on role in a lean accounting environment — the Controller is an active contributor to the close process, reporting, and compliance while simultaneously managing and developing the accounting team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and oversee the full-cycle accounting function including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing support, fixed asset tracking, and bank reconciliations; ensure all transactions are recorded accurately, completely, and in accordance with GAAP and Company policy.
• Own the monthly financial close process; prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules; deliver accurate and complete monthly financial statements to the President on schedule every period.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and management packages for the President and for Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. ownership; ensure all reporting meets corporate deadlines, formats, and standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal accounting controls and procedures; identify control gaps or weaknesses and implement corrective measures; ensure proper segregation of duties within the finance team.
• Manage cash flow and working capital; prepare weekly cash position reports and short-term cash forecasts; oversee accounts payable aging and accounts receivable collections; manage the Company’s banking relationships in coordination with the President.
• Coordinate and support the annual budgeting and forecasting process in partnership with the President and department managers; prepare monthly budget-to-actual variance reports with clear explanations and recommended actions.
• Oversee cost accounting for lumber production operations; maintain accurate standard costs and inventory valuations; analyze production costs, log costs, conversion costs, and lumber recovery; provide cost reports and margin analysis to plant leadership.
• Manage all tax compliance responsibilities including federal and state income tax coordination, sales and use tax, property tax, and payroll tax; work with external tax advisors to ensure all filings and payments are completed accurately and on time.
• Serve as the primary operational liaison for external auditors; prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation; coordinate fieldwork and respond to auditor inquiries; work toward a clean, timely annual audit completion.
• Directly supervise, develop, and evaluate the Sr. Staff Accountant, Accounting Coordinator, and Purchaser; assign and review work, set performance expectations, provide coaching and feedback, and ensure the team meets all deadlines and quality standards.
• Evaluate and maintain the Company’s accounting systems and reporting tools; identify opportunities to improve close efficiency, reporting accuracy, and process controls; support system upgrades or transitions as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the President or General Manager.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA designation required or actively in progress with a clear completion timeline.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience required; minimum 2–3 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager role with direct supervisory responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience managing the full accounting cycle and monthly close process with a high degree of accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Solid understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting standards; experience preparing financial statements and management reports for executive and ownership audiences.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, identify trends and anomalies, and communicate findings clearly to non-finance stakeholders including plant supervisors and the President.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage, SAP, Oracle, or similar); strong Microsoft Excel skills including financial modeling, reconciliation templates, and data analysis.
• High level of personal integrity and professional discretion; ability to handle sensitive financial and personnel information with complete confidentiality.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in sawmill, wood products, paper, or industrial manufacturing accounting strongly preferred; familiarity with lumber cost accounting, log inventory valuation, board foot measurement, and production cost analysis a significant plus.
• CPA licensure; experience reporting to a parent company or working within a corporate consolidation environment; experience supporting external audits and banking relationships.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is performed primarily in an office setting at the Plain Dealing, Louisiana facility. The Controller is a fully on-site role. The incumbent must be able to sit for extended periods, work at a computer workstation for the majority of the workday, and occasionally move through production and yard areas where PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vest) is required. Occasional remote work may be approved on a case-by-case basis consistent with the Company’s Remote Work Policy. Occasional travel may be required for audit, banking, or ownership meetings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Plain Dealing Lumber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.