Plant Accountant

Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.

This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels—we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.

Job Description:

The Plant Accountant is responsible for managing and executing financial processes at the manufacturing site to ensure accuracy of inventory valuation, cost accounting, and reporting. This role supports plant operations by providing timely financial insights and ensuring compliance with internal controls and corporate policies.

Key Responsibilities:

Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts related to manufacturing, including inventory, WIP, and cost of goods sold (COGS).

Prepare and analyze monthly plant expense by department and provide variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior periods.

Monitor and analyze manufacturing variances (purchase price, labor, overhead, and production).

Work closely with operations, supply chain, and 4D team to understand key cost drivers and provide actionable insights.

Assist in monthly and year-end closing activities, including system costing processes, journal entries and accruals related to plant operations.

Participate in physical inventory counts and cycle counts; reconcile discrepancies and ensure accuracy of inventory records.

Assist in the development of the annual budget and periodic forecasts for the plant.

Maintain proper internal controls and ensure compliance with SOX, GAAP, and company policies.

Support capital project tracking, fixed asset management, and ensure assets are properly capitalized and depreciated.

Coordinate with external and internal auditors during audit activities related to the plant.

Partner with cross-functional teams to improve financial processes and efficiency at the site.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.

5+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory valuation, and GAAP.

Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle or similar).

Advanced Excel skills and ability to work with large data sets.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and process improvement.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

CPA, CMA, or progress toward certification.

Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma principles.

Prior experience with manufacturing KPIs and operational metrics.

At Illuminate USA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity for all, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Your unique background and experiences are valued here, as we believe they strengthen our team and drive our mission forward.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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