Plant Controller

Plant ControllerOur client is a leading manufacturer of flexible polyurethane (PU) foam with a Greensboro, NC manufacturing facility serving the automotive, furniture and bedding, industrial, technical, and specialty markets. The Greensboro plant manufactures and fabricates flexible polyurethane foam and converts the foam into specialized products and materials.The Greensboro operation has approximately 200 employees and is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to lead the financial activities of the facility. Local Greensboro-area candidates are strongly preferred.Position SummaryThe Plant Controller will have overall responsibility for the financial functions of the Greensboro manufacturing facility and will serve as a key member of the Site Leadership Team. This is a hands-on plant finance leadership position responsible for financial reporting, manufacturing and cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, payroll oversight, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, financial controls, and commercial financial analysis. The Plant Controller will supervise a Senior Plant Accountant and Accounting Specialist and will work closely with the Plant Manager and leaders across Manufacturing, Operations, Materials, Engineering, Human Resources, and Commercial functions. The successful candidate will be a strong financial business partner who can connect plant operating performance with financial results and help drive cost control, productivity, profitability, and continuous improvement.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesPlant Finance & Cost Accounting Manage all financial functions for the manufacturing facility, including cost accounting, general accounting, product costing, capacity planning, and time-study activities. Analyze operating costs and financial variances, including: Sales and volume Direct labor Indirect labor Salaried labor Depreciation Variable overhead Fixed overhead Other manufacturing and operating costs Analyze budgeted, standard, and actual costs and headcount-related expenses. Maintain and continuously improve accounting and financial systems. Prepare timely and accurate financial studies, analyses, and special projects. Assist with cost models and provide financial analysis for commercial decisions.Financial Reporting & Analysis Manage monthly and annual financial reporting activities, including: Flash Forecast Flash Actual SRP Income Statement Balance Sheet Cash Flow Intercompany reconciliations Asset and depreciation reconciliations Prepare first- and second-close SRPs at year-end and mid-year, including all required reconciliations. Complete monthly sales reconciliations, balance-sheet reconciliations, and HR statistical/cost reports. Update monthly sales reporting for the new reporting period. Analyze plant financial performance and communicate significant issues, trends, and opportunities to the Plant Manager.Budgeting, Forecasting & Commercial Support Lead the annual plant budgeting process, including preparation, review, presentation, approval, and adherence to the approved budget. Support forecasting and financial planning activities. Develop and review pricing scenarios based on volume, shifts, engineering work orders, and other operational variables. Assist with cost models and review financial information from a commercial perspective. Prepare Appropriation Requests for capital, tooling, and engineering work orders and obtain required approvals through DocuSign.Accounting Operations Supervise and support the Senior Plant Accountant and Accounting Specialist, including performance reviews and employee development plans. Manage the payroll system and review/approve payroll for both hourly and salaried employees. Review and approve Accounts Payable vouchers, check runs, invoices, and expenses. Review banking activity for unusual transactions, chargebacks, and other discrepancies. Support Accounts Receivable activities, including account clean-up, write-offs, and related issues. Interact directly with customers on financial matters, including Accounts Receivable, pricing, purchase orders, and other financial issues.Audit, Controls & Compliance Ensure adherence to established financial controls, policies, and procedures. Prepare and support the annual Audit Binder and Additional Disclosure file. Respond to auditor questions and requests and provide supporting documentation as required. Maintain the annual insurance file. Ensure accurate and timely completion of required financial reconciliations and reporting.Plant Leadership & Operations Serve as an active member of the Site Leadership Team. Partner with the Plant Manager and functional leaders on financial planning, budgeting, cost control, and plant performance. Work closely with Manufacturing, Materials, Engineering, HR, and other plant leaders on financial matters affecting their respective functions. Review daily shift notes and prepare the daily JPH (Jobs Per Hour) report and other key plant performance measures. Run and analyze the daily JPH Efficiency/Inefficiency Report. Communicate finance-related issues and opportunities to the Plant Manager in a timely manner. Maintain and update the plant's "Best-in-Class" systems covering Materials, Production, Engineering, Finance, and the company's Production System.Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement Support and participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives. Assist with activities including: 5S Workplace inspections Gemba walks Kaizen events Kamishibai audits/systems Use financial and operational data to help identify opportunities for improved productivity, cost reduction, and plant performance.Other Responsibilities Perform other duties, special projects, and financial analyses as assigned by the Plant Manager, Director of Finance, Commercial leadership, or Director of Manufacturing.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred. 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience in a manufacturing environment. Previous experience in a Plant Controller, Manufacturing Controller, Plant Finance Manager, or similar plant-level finance role is strongly preferred. Experience working in a manufacturing plant environment with direct interaction with Operations and Plant Leadership. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in: Manufacturing accounting Cost accounting Standard cost accounting General accounting Financial analysis Budgeting and forecasting Variance analysis Financial reporting Auditing and internal controls Manufacturing cost structures Budgeted, standard, and actual headcount and related costs Labor and overhead analysis Capital expenditure analysis Strong analytical, organizational, communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills are required.This is my client's most profitable and most stable plant out of over the 60 plants globally. This work environment is collaborative and congenial everyone has a flexible work ethic which keeps productivity, customer relations and profit margin favorable!!