Plant Controller

About the role

At Bel, we are not just a company—we are a company on a Mission, built on 160 years of bold innovation, family values, and a commitment to social purpose. With beloved brands like Babybel®, GoGo squeeZ®, The Laughing Cow®, and Boursin®, our snacking solutions bring more than joy; they want to serve as a force for good. Our U.S. Mission is to help close the critical 80% nutrition gap by making it easier for Americans to eat more fruits, veggies, and dairy as part of their daily lives.

The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the plant operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, and analysis. This role ensures the accuracy of financial data to inform strategic decision-making at the plant level and collaborates closely with plant management to monitor costs, achieve plant goals, support business results, and provide business insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead all financial planning for the plant: budget, reforecast, and business plan.
• Lead and manage the monthly and yearly financial closing activities to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Support inventory processes, participate in optimizing stock levels, and reduce costs.
• Develop and maintain financial forecasts based on historical data and market trends; provide insights and recommendations to management.
• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Lead the financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts; provide variance analysis.
• Track labor cost, utilities cost, variable costs, and fixed costs to compare budget vs. actual data.
• Produce monthly accurate, consistent, and timely reporting; analyze variances, identify trends, and provide KPIs to factory managers and financial teams.
• Prepare and present financial reports to stakeholders, ensuring compliance with IFRS and other reporting standards.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve plant goals and support business results.
• Foster strong relationships with plant management, production teams, and other departments.
• Motivate and supervise the Cost Accountant.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (highly preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of accounting/finance experience.
• Experience in a Food Manufacturing/Plant level (highly preferred).

Skills

• Proficiency in cost accounting principles and practices.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment, particularly in food production.
• Expertise in financial planning and budgeting processes.
• Strong skills in financial analysis and reporting.
• Management/Supervisory experience.
• Experience with ERP systems (preferred).
• Ability to work collaboratively both internally and externally.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Power BI and Power Query (a plus).

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Must be able to work in normal office conditions for a minimum of 8 hours per day.
• Must be able to travel via airplane within the U.S. intermittently.
• Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).