Plant Controller: Manufacturing Finance Leader

Our client, a motor vehicle manufacturer, is seeking a Plant Controller to join their team in Summerville, SC. This position will serve as the primary finance business partner to manufacturing and operations leadership and will be an integral part of the Finance team reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer. Working closely with executive and operational leadership teams, the Plant controller will drive profitability improvement, cost transparency, inventory discipline and operations decision support across the manufacturing organization. This will be a key leadership role in standard costing accuracy, tariff cost management, manufacturing performance analytics, SIOP support and strategic operational planning. The ideal candidate will combine strong operational finance and manufacturing accounting experience with hands-on mindset, strong process discipline and the ability to work effectively across functions in a fast-paced environment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Manufacturing & Operational Finance Lead all plant controlling and manufacturing finance activities Partner with Operations leadership on productivity, cost control, and operational performance Drive visibility into manufacturing variances, labor efficiency, absorption, scrap, freight, overhead and manufacturing performance drivers Support SIOP processes through inventory, production, and forecast analysis Monitor factory utilization, throughput, and operational KPIs Support inventory reduction and working capital initiatives Cost Accounting & Inventory Management Maintain standard costing structures and annual cost roll processes Ensure inventory accuracy, cycle count compliance, and reserve adequacy Support inventory valuation reviews including slow moving and obsolete inventory analysis Partner with purchasing and operations on material cost changes and recovery actions Drive improved controls around BOM accuracy, routings, and production transactions Tariff & Landed Cost Management Incorporate tariff percentages into product costing and landed cost calculations Track tariff exposure, recovery actions, and mitigation initiatives Support operational decision-making related to sourcing, pricing, and import strategy Partner with procurement, pricing, and finance teams on tariff impact analysis and reporting Maintain reporting and visibility into tariff-related manufacturing and inventory impacts Financial Reporting & Forecasting Lead monthly plant close activities and manufacturing financial reporting Prepare forecasts, variance analysis, and operational performance reporting Support annual budget and rolling forecast processes Provide clear explanations of operational drivers impacting EBIT, contribution margin and working capital Develop management reporting focused on actionable operational insights Systems, Controls & Process Improvement Drive process improvements across manufacturing finance and reporting processes Support SAP manufacturing and costing processes including inventory movements and production postings Assist with resolution of transactional issues including COGI/backflush/material movement discrepancies Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and audit requirements Improve automation, reporting efficiency, and data visibility Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s in Finance, Accounting or Business Minimum 5 years of experience in Finance or Controlling within a manufacturing or operations environment Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting, standard costing, and operational finance Advanced Microsoft Excel user Business-oriented mindset with strong operational acumen and the ability to understand the broader business context and operational drivers of financial performance. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across functions, communicate financial concepts clearly, and build constructive partnerships with operations and leadership teams. Proactive and self‑motivated with a continuous improvement mindset; able to identify inefficiencies, simplify processes, and drive solutions that improve performance and transparency. Strong sense of ownership and accountability with the ability to prioritize effectively and deliver results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Curious and analytical thinker who asks thoughtful questions, challenges assumptions, and seeks opportunities to improve processes and outcomes. Hands-on approach with a willingness to engage directly with plant operations, understand processes on the floor, and support practical, results‑focused solutions. Preferred: Master’s degree or CPA/CMA certification Experience with SAP and manufacturing ERP systems Continuous Improvement / Lean / Kaizen experience or certification Experience with tariff, landed cost or supply chain cost analysis Experience working within a global organization Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes TRS Staffing Solutions are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome you to provide OFCCP data voluntarily here #J-18808-Ljbffr