Plant Controller

About the Firm

A publicly traded industrial manufacturing company headquartered in Virginia, with a nationwide footprint across multiple production facilities and distribution centers. The organization specializes in the production of engineered components used across infrastructure, construction, and industrial end markets, generating several billion in annual revenue. Known for its operational discipline and continuous improvement culture, the company has invested heavily in modernizing its manufacturing footprint, implementing lean initiatives, and leveraging data-driven decision-making across plant operations. The business maintains a strong balance sheet, with consistent margin expansion and a track record of strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position and product capabilities. Leadership emphasizes accountability, process optimization, and developing high-performing finance teams embedded within operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the finance leader for a large-scale manufacturing facility, partnering closely with plant leadership to drive operational and financial performance.
• Oversee monthly close processes, including inventory accounting, cost allocations, and variance analysis.
• Develop and maintain standard costing systems, including bill of materials, labor routings, and overhead structures.
• Analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead) and provide actionable insights to improve plant efficiency.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes for the plant.
• Partner with operations to implement cost control initiatives and track savings against targets.
• Ensure compliance with SOX controls and corporate accounting policies.
• Manage inventory controls, cycle counts, and physical inventory processes.
• Support capital expenditure planning, including ROI analysis and post-investment reviews.
• Develop and enhance reporting dashboards to provide operational and financial visibility.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors on plant-related audits.
• Lead and develop a team of plant accountants and analysts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline processes and improve data accuracy.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing finance, plant accounting, or cost accounting; public company experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.
• Experience working within a SOX-compliant environment.
• Background in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) required.
• Highly analytical with the ability to translate financial data into operational insights.
• Proven ability to partner with non-finance stakeholders in a plant setting.
• Strong leadership experience with a track record of developing teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or MBA a plus.
• Self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, operationally focused environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.