Controller (Plant)

DescriptionTammy Power, Recruiting Manager with Robert Half is partnering with a company looking for an experienced Plant Controller to provide financial direction for operations in Kern County, California. This position works closely with plant and executive leadership to strengthen profitability, improve reporting visibility, and support sound business decisions across production and agricultural activities. The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in cost accounting, forecasting, and operational analysis within a fast-paced, production-focused environment.For immediate consideration, contact Tammy Power via LinkedIn. Responsibilities:• Direct operational accounting activities and deliver accurate financial reporting for plant and production functions.• Build and oversee budgets, forecasts, and longer-term financial plans that support operational goals and business growth.• Evaluate financial and operating results, highlight meaningful trends, and present practical recommendations to leadership.• Manage cost accounting processes, including inventory valuation, standard costing, and analysis of manufacturing variances.• Track and interpret key performance measures tied to labor, output, yield, and overall operating efficiency.• Collaborate with operations leaders to identify opportunities to increase margins and improve plant performance.• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure adherence to accounting standards, company policies, and applicable regulations.• Lead month-end and year-end close activities related to plant and operational finance.• Support capital planning, strategic initiatives, and financial analysis for expansion or process improvement efforts.• Guide and develop accounting staff while preparing financial presentations and reporting packages for senior leadership.Requirements• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.• At least 5 years of progressive experience in accounting or finance, with significant exposure to operational environments.• Prior leadership experience in a Controller, Plant Controller, Operations Controller, or similar finance management role.• Strong background in manufacturing cost accounting, standard costing, inventory accounting, and month-end close.• Experience in agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, or another operations-driven industry is strongly preferred.• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with enterprise business systems.• Ability to turn financial data into business insight and influence decision-making across cross-functional teams.• Effective communication, leadership, and team development skills.Job typePerm