Job Description
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 processesAnalyze manufacturing variances (labor, overhead, material usage, scrap) and communicate findings to plant managementPartner with operations to monitor and control production costs, yields, and efficienciesBudgeting & Forecasting
Lead the plant’s annual budgeting process, quarterly forecasts, and long-range planningTrack capital expenditures and support ROI analysis for new equipment or process improvementsProvide financial modeling and analysis for strategic initiativesCompliance & Controls
Ensure compliance with GAAP and company financial policiesSupport internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to inquiriesImplement and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting, inventory, and assetsLeadership & Collaboration
Act as a key member of the plant leadership teamSupervise plant accounting staff (if applicable) and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvementServe as the liaison between the plant and corporate finance teamQualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance or plant accountingStrong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory control, and financial reporting in a manufacturing settingProficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite) and ExcelSolid understanding of GAAP and internal controlsExcellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skillsProven ability to work cross-functionally with operations and leadership teamsPreferred Experience
Exposure to lean manufacturing or Six Sigma initiativesFamiliarity with capital projects, fixed asset management, and supply chain finance