Flagstone Foods:
At Flagstone Foods, we believe appreciation grows goodness. It shows every day in how we work —by looking out for one another, taking pride in what we produce, and doing the job right.
We’re one of North America’s largest manufacturers of snack nuts, trail mixes, and dried fruits, with plants in Robersonville, NC; El Paso, TX; and Dothan, AL, and a headquarters in Minneapolis. Our teams keep our lines running, our food safe, and our quality high.
We’re growing and adding to our team. We’re looking for reliable, dedicated people who value teamwork, safety, and consistency. If you want work you can take pride in, a supportive team, and a company that respects the people on the floor, you may find your home at Flagstone Foods.
POSITION: Plant Controller
REPORTS TO: Corporate Controller
Position Summary
Responsible for leading day-to-day finance operations for the local plant site and well as mentoring junior accounting staff members(s). The Plant Controller is a partner to the Plant Manager and Operations Team, providing analysis and actionable insights to guide decision-making and improve plant performance. Additionally, the controller will work cross functionally (including HQ) and with all levels of employees to drive company profitability, cash flow, and growth. This individual is the defacto CFO of the plant and must have solid leadership skills, business acumen, sense of urgency, adherence to deadlines, ability to synthesize and communicate operational KPI’s and financial results, develop recovery plans (when required) and evaluate capital projects in addition, to having perfunctory accounting and analytical skills. This role requires a balance of leadership and hands-on execution, particularly in environments where systems and reporting are evolving.
Essential Functions
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Provide strategic financial guidance to the plant management team to support sound financial and operational decision-making.
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Drive cost control initiatives across the plant, including labor, material usage, and overhead spending, and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
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Lead the development and execution of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), quarterly rolling forecasts, and weekly financial projections.
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Oversee the monthly financial close process, including responsibility for the plant’s Profit & Loss (P&L) statement and balance sheet.
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Facilitate weekly and monthly financial and operational performance reviews with plant leadership.
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Prepare and analyze variances (e.g., Material Usage Variance - MUV) and spending trends, using insights to drive operational improvements—such as optimizing conversion costs, refining Bills of Materials (BOMs), and collaborating with the operations team to resolve inefficiencies.
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Conduct product costing and financial analysis for existing products, product transitions, and new commercial opportunities.
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Maintain strong inventory controls, including managing reserves, conducting cycle counts, and identifying slow-moving or obsolete inventory.
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Develop and implement best practices in collaboration with the operations team to mitigate financial and operational risks.
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Evaluate capital expenditure proposals, calculating financial payback in partnership with shared services FP&A resources.
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Monitor and report on capital expenditure projects and overruns in coordination with project management personnel.
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Deliver accurate and timely operational performance reports to plant leadership.
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Ensure daily process order closure and accurate cost analysis reporting by plant leadership.
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Oversee monthly cycle counting to maintain accurate inventory records and minimize write-offs.
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Provide weekly estimated P&L reporting to plant leadership.
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Function as a financial steward at the plant level by setting financial targets, identifying inefficiencies, ensuring data accuracy, and resolving issues related to inventory and cash flow.
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Build financial acumen across the plant management team to support continuous improvement, daily loss prevention, and financially driven decision-making.
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Utilize advanced analysis techniques and key performance metrics to recommend improvements in financial and operational performance.
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Provide oversight and evaluation of all plant expenditures and capital requisitions.
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Drive continuous improvement initiatives in partnership with shared services FP&A.
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Promote cost control and planning discipline to help plant leadership manage and reduce manufacturing costs.
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Lead the plant’s annual business planning and quarterly forecasting processes, including development of financial manufacturing plans and standard product costs.
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Collaborate with corporate finance and cross-functional teams on strategic initiatives, including innovation projects, cost reduction efforts, and performance improvement opportunities.
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Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the plant’s accounting systems and compliance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
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Develop expertise in the ERP system (SAP preferred) to support both financial and operational functions.
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Leverage system capabilities to enhance data accessibility, analytical insights, and management reporting.
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Focus on key cost areas such as material usage, labor efficiency, asset utilization, and overhead expenditure control.
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Utilize Excel and other tools to perform ad hoc analysis and support decision-making in areas where reporting may not be fully automated.
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Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Qualifications (Education/Experience)
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Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field (or equivalent experience).
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~7-12 years of experience in a manufacturing finance, cost accounting, or plant finance role.
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Experience in middle-market, private equity-backed manufacturing or industrial companies preferred.
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Proven ability to drive transformation, improve processes, mentor teams, and upgrade talent as needed.
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Strong understanding of standard cost accounting; prior experience as a plant controller in a batch manufacturing environment and/or highly commoditized market is a plus.
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Proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems, and strong skills in Microsoft Office tools.
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Experience optimizing system and tool efficiencies, including SAP (R/3, FICO, BI) highly preferred.
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Experience working with and making recommendations for efficiencies.
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Ability to translate financial and operational data into actionable, customer-focused insights.
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Skilled in developing business-driven financial analysis and recommendations.
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Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced setting.
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Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with a collaborative approach to partnering with business leaders.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described within the Essential Functions section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform this job. Other duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change, or add to the duties of this description at any time without notice.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
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Communicate with others both verbally and in writing.
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Be independently mobile.
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Use a computer and keyboard.
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Regularly sit, stand, walk, reach, stretch, stoop, bend, for extended periods.
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Ability to lift/carry 25 to 50 lbs.
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Exposure to noise levels requiring hearing protection.
Supervises – Yes
FLSA Designation: This position is Exempt and is not eligible for overtime.
Work Location: Robersonville, NC
Benefits You’ll Enjoy:
At Flagstone Foods, we take care of our team. You’ll have access to medical, dental, and HSA options, a 401(k) plan with company match, and company-paid life and disability coverage. Benefits begin on the first of the month after 60 days of employment, giving you peace of mind while you focus on the work you take pride in. Participation in Flagstone Foods’ benefits programs is subject to the terms and conditions of each plan.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
