Job Title: Plant Controller
Location: Vernon, CA
Reports To: Corporate Controller
Compensation: $150,000 - $180,000 annual + Bonus
Are you a strategic manufacturing finance leader who enjoys partnering with operations to drive performance, improve profitability, and build world-class financial processes? Archer Meat Snacks, one of the fastest-growing brands in the Natural and Specialty Channel, is seeking a Plant Controller to provide financial leadership across multiple manufacturing and 3PL facilities.
Reporting to the Corporate Controller, this role will serve as a key business partner to Plant Leadership by overseeing plant accounting, inventory controls, cost accounting, financial reporting, labor performance, budgeting, and operational analysis. You will play a critical role in helping drive financial performance, inventory accuracy, standard costing, and continuous operational improvement across our Vernon and San Bernardino manufacturing facilities.
We're looking for a hands-on, collaborative leader who combines strong manufacturing accounting expertise with exceptional analytical skills and the ability to influence operational decision-making through meaningful financial insights.
If you're passionate about manufacturing finance, operational excellence, and building high-performing teams within a fast-growing CPG organization, we'd love to meet you.
- Serve as the primary financial partner to Plant Directors and Operations leadership, providing financial guidance that supports operational and strategic decision-making
- Partner with manufacturing leadership to improve plant performance, drive cost reduction initiatives, and ensure budget accountability
- Deliver financial insights that improve operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability across multiple manufacturing facilities
- Provide ongoing recommendations that support continuous improvement and long-term operational success
- Oversee plant cost accounting activities, inventory reporting, and manufacturing financial performance across multiple facilities and 3PL partners
- Monitor inventory transactions, cycle counts, adjustments, and audit processes to ensure inventory accuracy and compliance with internal controls
- Analyze inventory discrepancies, identify root causes, and develop standardized processes that strengthen inventory control and reporting accuracy
- Lead standard costing initiatives within NetSuite while partnering with Cost Accounting to ensure work order and inventory accuracy
- Develop and maintain dashboard-style financial reporting and operational KPIs that provide meaningful visibility into plant performance
- Prepare recurring financial and operational reporting focused on spending, labor efficiency, inventory management, and manufacturing performance
- Analyze production, labor, overhead, and manufacturing variances while identifying key business drivers and improvement opportunities
- Translate complex financial and operational data into actionable recommendations for executive leadership and plant management
- Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Cost Accounting to improve inventory accuracy, operational controls, and production reporting
- Review inventory write-offs, monitor trends, ensure appropriate documentation, and develop recommendations that reduce recurring inventory losses
- Perform monthly capitalization reviews and manufacturing variance analysis while monitoring Weeks of Supply and inventory health metrics
- Support ongoing improvements to inventory management processes that enhance operational execution and financial accuracy
- Support and optimize manufacturing financial systems, including NetSuite, WMS, and related operational platforms
- Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies, financial procedures, and internal control processes supporting manufacturing operations
- Partner with cross-functional teams to improve reporting capabilities, automate processes, and strengthen financial controls across multiple facilities
- Lead process improvement initiatives that enhance reporting accuracy, operational efficiency, and financial visibility
- Partner with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, and Cost Accounting to validate Bills of Materials (BOMs), manufacturing standards, and product costing accuracy
- Review and approve BOMs while ensuring alignment with manufacturing processes and financial reporting requirements
- Analyze post-launch manufacturing performance and support continuous optimization of product costs and operational efficiencies
- Collaborate across Finance and Operations to improve forecasting, inventory planning, and manufacturing decision-making
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Plant Accounting and Cost Accounting professionals supporting multiple manufacturing facilities
- Establish clear performance expectations while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development
- Coach team members on accounting best practices, financial analysis, and operational partnership skills
- Build a culture focused on accuracy, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting required
- 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including significant experience within a manufacturing environment (food or beverage preferred)
- Previous experience leading plant accounting, cost accounting, inventory accounting, or manufacturing finance functions
- Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting principles, GAAP, standard costing, inventory controls, and financial reporting
- Experience with large ERP systems such as NetSuite or similar manufacturing platforms
- Experience utilizing Power BI or similar business intelligence tools to develop reporting and financial dashboards
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business partnership capabilities with the ability to influence operational decisions through financial insight
- Excellent communication, presentation, stakeholder management, and leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives while developing and coaching high-performing teams
Impact: Help drive financial performance and operational excellence across multiple manufacturing facilities while supporting one of the fastest-growing meat snack brands in the industry.
Visibility: Partner directly with Plant Leadership, the Corporate Controller, Operations, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership on high-impact initiatives.
Ownership: Lead plant accounting, inventory management, financial reporting, cost optimization, and operational finance across multiple facilities.
Culture: Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and fast-moving environment focused on continuous improvement.
Benefits: Competitive compensation, PTO, and 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
If you're ready to lead manufacturing finance, influence operational strategy, and drive meaningful business results within a high-growth CPG organization, we'd love to meet you.
To learn more about Archer Meat Snacks, visit www.archerjerky.com
Archer Meat Snacks is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
