Plant Controller

About the role

The Plant Controller position is responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the Accounting Department for multiple Lightera sites (Avon, CT and Somerset, NJ locations). This role requires a seasoned financial executive with strong manufacturing accounting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, risk management, reporting, analysis, presentation, and decision-making skills. It includes supervising and developing finance team staff, and the development of short and long-term financial plans and forecasts. This includes long-term planning and preparing budgets and forecasts for the PL and Cash and assisting with operational excellence programs including Lean Improvements.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate financial reports, analyze financial data to identify trends and business opportunities, and present findings to management.
• Develop and help coordinate annual budgets, process budgets, and create financial forecasts for the region.
• Implement and enforce financial systems, policies, and controls to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and company policies.
• Work with operations teams to resolve financial issues and drive improvements in profitability and cash flow within the region.
• Recruit, coach, and develop the financial support staff within the region.
• Collaborate with the internal audit department and external auditors to ensure recommendations are implemented and to put loss prevention measures in place.
• Aid management in creating short- and long-term financial goals and strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Accounting or Finance
• Minimum of 8+ years’ experience
• Background in a Manufacturing environment
• Significant experience in accounting, financial reporting, and management
• CMA or CPA desired
• Working knowledge of JDE and/or SAP systems

Qualifications

• Strong financial reporting, analysis, and presentation skills
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial control
• Ability to manage and develop a finance team
• Knowledge of Lean Improvements and operational excellence programs
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Skills

• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Financial Control & Compliance
• Operational Improvement
• Team Leadership
• Annual Audit & Risk Management
• Strategic Support

Benefits

Competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, and well-being. Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a generous match and no vesting period. Tuition assistance, on-the-job training, and opportunities for growth and advancement. We promote from within. Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays. Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors.

Pay

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position.

Lightera

Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide. Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications. Lightera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability. Applicants selected for the interview process will be contacted via the provided link.