Confidential – Plant Controller (Manufacturing)
About the Role
A growing manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to provide financial leadership across two California-based production facilities. This role will serve as a strategic business partner to plant management, delivering timely analysis and insight that improves operational performance and profitability.
The Plant Controller will oversee all financial activities at the site level, including budgeting, forecasting, costing, inventory controls, financial reporting, and month-end close. The role will also play a critical part in strengthening financial processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring compliance with GAAP and company policies.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a strategic financial partner to plant leadership, delivering actionable analysis and supporting decision-making
- Lead financial planning, analysis, and reporting for multiple manufacturing locations
- Develop and maintain product costing models, standard cost systems, and manufacturing variance analysis
- Oversee month-end close process, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting packages
- Partner with operations on cost control initiatives, productivity improvements, and capital investments
- Ensure financial results are accurate, timely, and aligned with corporate reporting requirements
- Manage inventory controls, including cycle counts, physical inventories, and material flow accuracy
- Prepare sales tax filings and support external audits and tax compliance activities
- Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes for the facilities
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance internal controls and operational efficiency
- Develop and refine KPIs and dashboards to monitor plant performance and risks
- Support senior finance leadership with special projects and initiatives
Leadership Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and direction to the plant finance team
- Recruit, coach, and develop finance staff
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Ensure timely and effective support to plant and corporate stakeholders
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
- Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, including operational finance or FP&A
- Prior Plant Controller, Controller, or equivalent manufacturing finance leadership experience strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing variance analysis
- Experience working with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills with ability to influence cross-functional teams
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments
Work Environment
This role is based at a California manufacturing facility with regular travel between plant locations.
Confidentiality Notice
This is a confidential search. Company name and additional details will be shared with qualified candidates after initial screening and upon execution of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status.
Pay: $140,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Accounting: 5 years (Required)
- Cost accounting: 3 years (Required)
- Inventory management: 3 years (Required)
- ERP systems: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Los Angeles, CA 90058 (Required)
Work Location: In person
