Controller (Plant)

About the role

Our client, a well-established manufacturing organization in the Springfield, MA area, is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of a manufacturing facility. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on accounting leader with strong manufacturing, inventory, and cost accounting expertise to play a key role in supporting plant operations and business performance.

Contact: Brittany Rizzo / Brittany.Rizzo@roberthalf.c0m | Reference ID: BR0013506829

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting and financial activities for the manufacturing plant.
• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and analyze plant financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and operating results.
• Lead and oversee inventory accounting, including inventory valuation, reconciliations, reserves, and cycle/physical count processes.
• Manage and analyze cost accounting, including standard costs, variances, labor, overhead, and manufacturing costs.
• Partner with plant leadership and operations to analyze production performance, profitability, and cost drivers.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to improve operational efficiency and profitability.
• Monitor and explain budget-to-actual and production variances.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and accounting procedures.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and other plant accounting functions.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and strategic financial planning.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff.
• Collaborate with corporate finance and accounting teams on reporting, compliance, and other financial initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, controls, reporting, and overall financial performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with manufacturing accounting, inventory accounting, and cost accounting.
• Previous supervisory or management experience leading an accounting team.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing financial statements, cost structures, and operational metrics.
• Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, inventory controls, and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to both accounting and non-financial leadership.
• Hands-on, collaborative leadership style with the ability to work closely with plant and operations management.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and ERP/accounting systems.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance
• Eligibility to enroll in company 401(k) plan