Assistant Plant Controller - Tarboro, NC

Position Summary

Air Distribution Technologies is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to support the financial operations of our Tarboro manufacturing facility. This role serves as a key business partner to plant leadership and is responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective internal controls, cost accounting integrity, inventory management, and operational financial analysis. The Assistant Controller will work closely with the Plant Controller while gaining broad exposure to manufacturing finance and operational leadership, serving as a potential successor for future Plant Controller opportunities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and management reports.
• Analyze financial results and investigate variances to budget, forecast, and prior year performance.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and company policies.

Cost Accounting

• Maintain and monitor standard costing systems.
• Analyze labor, material, overhead, and manufacturing variances.
• Support annual standard cost updates and cost roll activities.
• Evaluate product costing and profitability trends.
• Partner with operations to identify opportunities for cost reduction and productivity improvements.

Inventory & Manufacturing Controls

• Oversee inventory accounting processes and accuracy.
• Support and validate physical inventories and cycle count programs.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor inventory reserves and valuation processes.
• Ensure compliance with inventory control procedures and manufacturing accounting standards.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist in the development of annual operating budgets.
• Support monthly forecasting activities and financial planning processes.
• Develop financial models and perform operational analyses to support decision-making.
• Monitor key cost drivers and provide recommendations to improve financial performance.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and strengthen internal accounting controls.
• Support internal and external audit activities.
• Assist with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance requirements where applicable.
• Drive process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control effectiveness.

Business Partnership

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Human Resources, and Procurement teams.
• Provide financial guidance and support for capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Deliver financial insights that support plant operational objectives and strategic initiatives.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide guidance and oversight to accounting staff.
• Assist in coaching, mentoring, and developing team members.
• Serve as a backup to the Plant Controller as needed.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory accounting, and financial reporting.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred

• CPA or CMA certification.
• Experience in a multi-site manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of SOX compliance and internal control frameworks.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

Core Competencies

• Financial and Business Acumen
• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Leadership and Team Development
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Integrity and Accountability
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Partnership

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely and accurate month-end close.
• Financial reporting accuracy.
• Inventory accuracy and control effectiveness.
• Standard cost accuracy.
• Forecast and budget accuracy.
• Audit and compliance performance.
• Support of plant cost reduction and profitability initiatives.

Career Growth Opportunity

This position is designed to provide broad exposure to manufacturing finance, operational leadership, and strategic business partnership responsibilities. The role serves as a development path toward a future Plant Controller position and offers significant opportunities for professional growth within Air Distribution Technologies.