Plant Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Our client, a leader in power generation packaging and engineering, delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that support critical industries around the world. They are expanding their manufacturing capabilities to other locations, this role specifically focused on Batesville, MS.

The Plant Controller oversees all accounting and financial activities for the manufacturing division, serving as a strategic business partner to plant leadership. This role is responsible for financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, inventory valuation, financial controls, and operational analysis to support profitability and informed decision-making.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing finance leader with deep expertise in cost accounting, inventory management, and financial planning. This individual will partner closely with operations to improve performance, drive accountability, and support continuous improvement initiatives while leading the plant accounting function.

• Lead all plant accounting activities, including general ledger, month-end close, and financial reporting.

• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial results.

• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, internal controls, and audit requirements.

• Maintain and improve standard costing systems, including labor, materials, and overhead rates.

• Analyze manufacturing variances and provide operational leaders with actionable recommendations.

• Oversee inventory valuation for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.

• Support pricing decisions, margin analysis, and make-versus-buy evaluations.

• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes for the manufacturing division.

• Monitor performance against budget and forecast, explaining key variances and trends.

• Partner with plant leadership to improve cost control, profitability, productivity, and operational efficiency.

• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives through financial analysis.

• Manage and develop plant accounting staff and ensure accurate, timely completion of accounting activities.

• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including manufacturing cost accounting.

• Strong knowledge of inventory costing, standard costing, variance analysis, and financial reporting.

• Experience supporting manufacturing operations and production environments.

• Previous leadership, supervisory, or mentoring experience within accounting or finance.

• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making abilities.

• Ability to translate financial data into meaningful operational insights.

• Demonstrated understanding of internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.