Controller - Operations

Plant Controller - Strategic Business Partner

Title: Plant Controller

Location: Franklin, WI

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Dotted Line: Senior Vice President & General Manager

Direct Reports: Assistant Controller and Accounting Assistant (2)

Position Summary

The Plant Controller is a key financial leader at the Franklin, WI manufacturing facility, responsible for overseeing all plant-level accounting, financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls. This role partners closely with plant leadership and corporate finance to drive financial performance, support operational decision-making, and ensure compliance with company policies and GAAP.

The Plant Controller operates as a trusted business partner to the Sr. VP & General Manager while maintaining strong alignment with corporate financial strategy and reporting requirements.

Ideal Candidate: We're looking for a leader who:

* Thinks like an operator, not just an accountant

* Is confident partnering with senior leadership

* Enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges

* Brings both technical depth and commercial insight

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Business Partnership

* Serve as the primary financial advisor to plant leadership, providing insight into operational performance, cost drivers, and improvement opportunities.

* Partner with the Sr. VP & General Manager to support strategic initiatives, capital investment analysis, and profitability improvement efforts.

* Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-finance stakeholders.

Financial Reporting & Accounting

* Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes for the Franklin facility, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

* Prepare and analyze plant P&L statements, balance sheets, and variance reports versus budget and forecast.

* Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal accounting policies, and corporate reporting requirements.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance

* Lead all cost accounting activities, including standard cost development, maintenance, and variances (labor, material, overhead).

* Analyze manufacturing efficiencies, scrap, rework, inventory turns, and absorption to support continuous improvement.

* Oversee inventory valuation, cycle counts, physical inventories, and related reconciliations.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

* Lead the annual operating budget and ongoing forecast processes for the plant.

* Monitor and report on key financial and operational KPIs, identifying risks and opportunities.

* Provide financial modeling and scenario analysis to support operational decisions and capital projects.

Internal Controls & Compliance

* Maintain strong internal controls over financial processes, inventory, and fixed assets.

* Support internal and external audits, ensuring timely responses and corrective action where needed.

* Ensure compliance with corporate policies, SOX/internal control standards (as applicable), and regulatory requirements.

Capital & Fixed Assets

* Review and analyze capital expenditure requests; track capital project spending and ROI.

People Leadership

* Directly manage, coach, and develop the Assistant Controller and Accounting Assistant.

* Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the finance function.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

* Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or CMA strongly preferred.

* Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including significant experience in a manufacturing environment.

* Prior experience as a Plant Controller or senior manufacturing finance leader strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

* Strong knowledge of cost accounting, standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing variance analysis.

* Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills; experience with manufacturing ERP systems preferred.

* Strong understanding of GAAP and internal controls.

Leadership & Competencies

* Proven ability to partner with operations and influence decision-making through data-driven insight.

* Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

* Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly to diverse audiences.

* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and manage competing priorities.

Working Conditions

* Primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility; regular presence on the shop floor required.

* Occasional travel to corporate offices or other facilities as needed.

ECZ