Plant Controller

About the role

As Plant Controller you will safeguard plant assets and ensure the integrity, accuracy and completeness of financial results for a multi-line operation with significant SKU complexity. You will be a key member of the Operations Management team, providing timely and comprehensive financial leadership while managing direct reports responsible for day-to-day accounting, reporting and inventory control at the plant. You will collaborate closely with Manufacturing Accounting, Plant Management, the North American Business Unit Finance Team and other Controllers.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Oversee and reconcile balance sheet accounts.
• Lead forecasting and budget planning activities.
• Perform capital expenditure analysis and reporting.
• Deliver accurate cost analysis and support continuous operational and financial improvement with a focus on cost savings.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and corporate policies.
• Complete statutory reporting as required and support internal and external audits.
• Manage and develop direct reports.

Financial Reporting and Controls/Compliance

• Be accountable for plant financial results and deliver accurate, timely results in accordance with GAAP, company processes/procedures and statutory regulations.
• Collaborate with plant management to set annual standards and production yields for financial reporting and costing analysis.
• Provide financial guidance and support to plant management, proactively communicating accounting and reporting issues and recommendations.
• Guide plant management on key business decisions to enable effective and efficient operations and delivery of WOW savings.
• Support origination of capital expenditure requests, prepare/review financial support, ensure compliance with Refresco policy, and perform post-implementation audits and reviews.
• Ensure compliance with key control procedures and corporate policies at the local plant level to safeguard assets and maintain financial integrity.
• Prepare weekly/monthly working capital reports and partner with plant management to manage effective working capital utilization and cash flows, focusing on inventories and capex cash flows.
• Maintain open communication with peers to foster consistent financial management across local units.
• Provide support for external and internal audits at operating facilities and complete ad-hoc reporting requests.

Budgeting/Forecasting

• Manage weekly/monthly/quarterly flash forecast processes with the Plant Management team to deliver accurate forecasted results and identify risks and opportunities.
• Lead the development of the Annual Operating Plan for the plant.

Business Analysis Support

• Collaborate with the Plant Management Team to identify and recommend process improvements that deliver financial benefits or mitigate financial risks.
• Analyze financial data to facilitate decision making at the plant management level.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Ability to operate and consistently deliver in a changing environment with a high level of accountability.
• Self-starter with initiative who works independently and strives for high performance with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Capacity to multi-task and work in an organized, detailed manner under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of financial accounting systems, controls, compliance procedures and industry practices.
• Strong business ethics commitment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain results, document processes and convey ideas.
• Strong financial analysis skills (identifies needed information, interprets data, recognizes trends and patterns).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field.
• Five to seven years of related work experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• CPA, CMA or equivalent designation preferred.
• Manufacturing/costing experience required.
• Staff management experience required.
• Food and Beverage manufacturing experience is a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Pet Insurance.
• Legal Benefits.
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match.
• 12 Paid Holidays.
• Vacation Days and Paid Sick Time Off.
• Well-being Benefit Discount and Total Reward Programs.