Plant Controller

Plant Controller

Financial Leadership | Manufacturing Operations | Plant Performance

Greater Chicago Area

On-site 5-days per week

We’re seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join the leadership team of a complex manufacturing operation.

This is a highly visible role for a finance leader who wants to do more than manage the numbers. You’ll work directly with plant leadership to influence operational decisions, improve profitability, strengthen financial controls, and help drive the overall performance of the facility.

The ideal candidate brings deep manufacturing finance experience, strong command of cost accounting and plant financials, and the ability to translate financial data into meaningful business insights.

What You’ll Do:

As Plant Controller, you will lead the financial operations of the facility and serve as a strategic partner to plant and operational leadership.

You will:

• Lead all plant financial operations, including reporting, budgeting, forecasting, standard costing, inventory accounting, and financial planning.
• Serve as a key financial advisor to Plant Leadership, providing insights that support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Analyze manufacturing performance, costs, margins, and operating results to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Own the annual operating budget, business planning process, and ongoing financial forecasts.
• Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Manage standard costing, product costing, inventory valuation, and cost-control processes.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve margins, strengthen working capital, and increase overall plant profitability.
• Oversee inventory accounting and physical inventory processes while maintaining strong financial controls.
• Develop financial models, analyses, and business cases for capital investments and major operational initiatives.
• Monitor capital expenditures and support plant leadership in prioritizing investments.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, corporate accounting policies, internal controls, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Conduct and support internal financial audits and strengthen processes where opportunities for improvement exist.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant Accounting team while building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Materials, Quality, and other plant functions.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 7–10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including significant Controller or Plant Controller experience within manufacturing.
• Financial leadership experience within a complex manufacturing operation is required.
• Strong expertise in manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Hands-on experience with inventory accounting, capital expenditures, working capital, and internal controls.
• Demonstrated success partnering with manufacturing and operations leaders to improve business performance.
• Experience leading and developing accounting or finance teams.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong experience working within ERP and accounting systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to turn financial information into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence leaders across finance and operations.
• High level of integrity, accountability, professionalism, and attention to detail.

Why This Opportunity:

This role offers the opportunity to have a direct impact on the financial and operational performance of a significant manufacturing operation. You’ll have a seat at the leadership table, meaningful influence over business decisions, and the ability to build and develop a high-performing finance function.

• If you’re a manufacturing finance leader who enjoys being close to the operation, solving complex business problems, and using financial insights to drive better results, we’d like to hear from you.

About the Search: Zaddy Solutions is conducting the initial screening process for this confidential client. Additional information about the company, product, and interview process will be shared with qualified candidates.