Plant Controller

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, tracing back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone over a century ago. We have a proven track record of industry-first innovations, including application-specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium-doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, and fiber gratings. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing, and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable, components, and devices—backed by exceptional service that creates value for shareholders, customers, and employees.

About the role

We are seeking a Plant Controller to join our division in Avon, CT, supporting continued business growth. This role manages the day-to-day operations of the Accounting Department for multiple Lightera sites (Avon, CT and Somerset, NJ). The ideal candidate is a seasoned financial executive with strong expertise in manufacturing accounting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, risk management, reporting, analysis, and decision-making. Responsibilities include supervising and developing finance team staff, as well as developing short- and long-term financial plans and forecasts. The Controller will collaborate with senior leadership teams across Avon, Somerset, Labs, and Corporate Finance.

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.
• Recruit, coach, and develop the financial support staff within the region.
• Collaborate with internal audit and external auditors to implement recommendations and establish loss prevention measures.
• Assist management in creating short- and long-term financial goals and strategies.
• Support operational excellence programs, including Lean Improvements, and prepare budgets and forecasts for the P&L and cash flow.

Requirements

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

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 (promote from within).
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.

About 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 enabling faster, more reliable, and sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide. Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates globally, serving customers in 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.