MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS CONTROLLER
Lead the Numbers. Drive the Operation. Shape the Future.
Are you a hands-on finance leader who understands that the best Controllers don't just report what happened — they help drive what happens next?
We are seeking a Manufacturing Operations Controller to serve as a key financial and operational partner to plant leadership. This is a high-impact opportunity for a Controller who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys getting beyond the financial statements to understand costs, productivity, margins, inventory, production, and operational performance.
You’ll work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and senior leadership to turn financial data into actionable business decisions.
WHY THIS ROLE?
This isn't a "close the books and go home" Controller position.
You'll have a true seat at the table and the opportunity to influence the operation — from manufacturing costs and inventory to capital investment, productivity, forecasting, and profitability.
WHAT YOU'LL OWN
- Lead financial management and accounting activities for a manufacturing operation.
- Partner directly with plant and operations leadership to drive financial and operational performance.
- Own monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes and ensure accurate and timely reporting.
- Analyze manufacturing costs, labor, overhead, material usage, scrap, productivity, and variances.
- Develop and monitor operational KPIs and provide meaningful insight into plant performance.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning for the operation.
- Analyze actual results versus budget, forecast, and prior-year performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Provide financial modeling and analysis to support operational and strategic decisions.
- Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams to improve cost structure, inventory management, and working capital.
- Oversee inventory accounting, including cycle counts, physical inventories, reserves, and valuation.
- Evaluate product costs and manufacturing variances to identify trends and opportunities.
- Support capital expenditure analysis and investment decisions.
- Develop and maintain strong internal controls and accounting policies.
- Lead and develop accounting/finance team members.
- Prepare financial reporting and present key findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Identify process improvements and implement solutions that improve financial accuracy, efficiency, and visibility.
- Serve as a trusted financial advisor to the plant and broader leadership team.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience as a Plant Controller, Operations Controller, Manufacturing Controller, Assistant Controller, or similar finance leadership role.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting and cost accounting principles.
- Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, inventory, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Proven ability to partner effectively with non-financial leaders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Advanced Excel skills and experience working with ERP systems.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with a hands-on approach.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to build credibility throughout an organization.