Plant Accountant / Plant Controller - Springfield Plywood

JOB DESCRIPTION

Swanson Group

Position Title :            Plant Accountant / Plant Controller

Location :                    Springfield, Oregon

Reports to :                 V.P. of Finance / CFO

Hours per shift :         9 hour shift, with two 10-minute breaks and a 1-hour lunch, overtime may include some nights, weekends, or holidays, as Business needs dictate

Wage :                          Dependent on experience, Salary Exempt

Position Purpose :      The Plant Accountant / Plant Controller serves as the on-site financial leader and primary business partner to plant operations, responsible for the integrity of financial reporting, operational analysis, internal controls, and decision support for one or more manufacturing facilities.

This role owns the full accounting cycle, provides timely and accurate financial results, and delivers actionable insights to improve profitability, efficiency, and cost control. The position collaborates closely with Plant Management and Corporate Finance to drive process improvements, strengthen internal controls, support system initiatives, and ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards.

Based on experience and demonstrated leadership in manufacturing accounting and plant finance, this position may be titled Plant Controller, reflecting expanded responsibility for financial oversight, strategic partnership, and team leadership.

Essential Functions*

These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job.

Financial Reporting & Close

• Lead daily, weekly, monthly, and year-end close processes for assigned manufacturing locations
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, variance reporting, and operational KPIs
• Ensure accuracy of the general ledger, reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Maintain compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies

Operational & Cost Accounting

• Partner with plant management to monitor production performance, labor, inventory, and cost drivers
• Perform standard costing, margin analysis, and manufacturing variance analysis
• Develop tools and dashboards to improve operational visibility and decision-making
• Provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability and efficiency

Controls & Compliance

• Maintain strong internal controls and safeguard company assets
• Oversee intercompany transactions and balance sheet integrity
• Maintain fixed asset and capital project accounting
• Support environmental, regulatory, and reporting requirements (including DEQ / Title V tracking as applicable)

Business Partnership & Leadership

• Act as the primary financial advisor to plant leadership
• Communicate risks, opportunities, and financial trends proactively
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and annual planning processes
• Lead or support cross-functional initiatives and special projects

Business Partnership & Leadership

• Act as the primary financial advisor to plant leadership
• Communicate risks, opportunities, and financial trends proactively
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and annual planning processes
• Lead or support cross-functional initiatives and special projects

Audit & Special Projects

• Coordinate site support for annual financial statement audits and tax schedules
• Manage non-routine financial tasks and special projects as assigned by Corporate Finance
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis and decision support

Present a professional, well-groomed appearance in accordance with company office standards.

Non-Essential Functions*

These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential.

Cross train to back up other office personnel. Trasks may include credit, cash, AP or other general office tasks.

Perform other duties as assigned by Corporate Controller, V.P. of Finance / CFO and other company executives.

Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required
• Minimum 3+ years of accounting or financial analysis experience required
• Manufacturing accounting experience is strongly preferred (wood products industry a plus)
• ERP experience (Infor M3 or equivalent) preferred
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Working Environment

• Primarily office-based (approximately 90–95%) in a climate-controlled professional environment
• Standard office setting with typical lighting, ventilation, and minimal exposure to dust or noise
• Occasional visits to manufacturing and mill environments for operational reviews, inventory observation, or collaboration with plant personnel, which may include exposure to varying temperatures, noise, dust, and moving equipment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and in writing. The employee frequently sits for extended periods and regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and phone. Occasional standing, walking, and movement throughout office and plant environment is required.

Physical Demands

This role primarily involves sedentary office work

• Frequent use of computer, keyboard, and phone
• Frequent sitting with occasional standing and walking
• Occasional bending, reaching, or carrying light office materials
• May occasionally lift or move items up to 20–30 pounds (files, boxes, or equipment)
• Must be able to safely walk through production areas during site visits

Safety

• Follow all company safety policies and site-specific procedures when visiting manufacturing or production areas
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during plant visits (e.g., safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, or high-visibility vest as applicable)
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and moving equipment while on the production floor
• Participate in required safety training and comply with all safety communications and reporting procedures