Cost Controller

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a hands on Cost Controller to provide financial leadership and business insight for our client's operations in Erie, Pennsylvania. This role partners closely with senior leaders to guide planning, evaluate business performance, and turn complex financial and operational information into practical recommendations. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in industrial environments with exposure to international operations and capital-intensive operations, along with the ability to work effectively across departments and with global stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning activities to support strategic and operational objectives.

• Analyze financial and operational results, identify key trends, and present clear recommendations to leadership for informed decision-making.

• Oversee manufacturing cost accounting processes to improve visibility into product costing, margins, and plant performance.

• Manage project accounting for major capital investments, including tracking costs, evaluating returns, and monitoring financial progress.

• Direct core accounting activities across accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed assets to ensure accuracy and strong internal controls.

• Develop performance reporting and financial dashboards that measure results against targets and highlight improvement opportunities.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to strengthen financial discipline, support business initiatives, and drive operational efficiency.

• Use SAP ERP and advanced Excel tools to maintain reliable reporting, perform detailed analysis, and support month-end and planning processes.

• 7+ years of experience in finance or accounting, including leadership responsibility in a controller or similar role.

• Strong background in manufacturing cost accounting and financial oversight within an industrial or energy-related environment.

• Experience managing project accounting for large capital projects (including international) or asset-intensive operations.

• Proven ability to lead financial planning, forecasting, and performance management activities.

• Working knowledge of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and fixed asset accounting practices.

• Proficiency with SAP ERP and advanced Microsoft Excel for analysis, reporting, and financial modeling.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex data, communicate insights clearly, and influence business decisions across teams.