Plant Controller

Job Description

Bill Watts at Robert Half is partnering with a leading manufacturer in the food production and agricultural sector. With a commitment to operational excellence, product quality, and continuous improvement, we are seeking an experienced and analytical Plant Controller to manage all financial activities at our Troy facility and support strategic plant-level decision-making.

Position Summary

The Plant Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the manufacturing plant, ensuring accurate cost accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. This role will act as a strategic business partner to plant leadership, providing insights to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and support profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Oversight

Manage all plant-level accounting operations including inventory, standard costing, and cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis

Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements, variance reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs)

Lead month-end close processes and ensure compliance with internal controls and corporate policies

Cost Accounting

Maintain and improve standard costing models and processes

Analyze manufacturing variances (labor, overhead, material usage, scrap) and communicate findings to plant management

Partner with operations to monitor and control production costs, yields, and efficiencies

Budgeting & Forecasting

Lead the plant’s annual budgeting process, quarterly forecasts, and long-range planning

Track capital expenditures and support ROI analysis for new equipment or process improvements

Provide financial modeling and analysis for strategic initiatives

Compliance & Controls

Ensure compliance with GAAP and company financial policies

Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries

Implement and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting, inventory, and assets

Leadership & Collaboration

Act as a key member of the plant leadership team

Supervise plant accounting staff (if applicable) and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

Serve as the liaison between the plant and corporate finance team

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred

8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance or plant accounting

Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory control, and financial reporting in a manufacturing setting

Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite) and Excel

Solid understanding of GAAP and internal controls

Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills

Proven ability to work cross-functionally with operations and leadership teams

Preferred Experience

Exposure to lean manufacturing or Six Sigma initiatives

Familiarity with capital projects, fixed asset management, and supply chain finance

Full-time