Plant Controller

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Plant Controller to lead financial oversight for a manufacturing operation in Louisville, Kentucky. This role combines hands-on accounting leadership with strategic partnership across plant operations, helping guide performance through accurate reporting, forecasting, and cost analysis. The ideal candidate will bring strong manufacturing finance expertise and the ability to turn financial data into practical recommendations that support efficiency and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with plant leadership to oversee financial performance, manage key cost drivers, and support overall profit and loss accountability.
• Direct daily accounting activities for the site, ensuring accurate records, timely month-end close, and adherence to financial controls and compliance standards.
• Build annual budgets and recurring forecasts in coordination with operations, sales, and finance partners to support business planning.
• Review and maintain accruals related to freight, trade programs, and sales activity to ensure complete and accurate reporting.
• Analyze financial results, investigate variances, and communicate meaningful insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Maintain strong financial processes and safeguard the accuracy of systems, reporting methods, and policy compliance.
• Provide cost and pricing analysis that helps leaders make informed operational and commercial decisions.
• Identify opportunities to reduce expenses and improve plant productivity by partnering with operations on performance initiatives.
• Support capital spending reviews by evaluating financial returns, justification, and expected payback on proposed investments.
• Manage productive working relationships with external vendors and other business partners tied to plant financial activity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of accounting leadership experience, ideally within a plant, manufacturing, or similar operational environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting standards, cost accounting, and manufacturing accounting concepts such as bills of materials, labor, and overhead.
• Experience overseeing month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
• Demonstrated background in manufacturing cost accounting, including standard costing and cost of goods sold analysis.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to work effectively with financial models and detailed data.
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions and communicate financial information clearly to operational and executive stakeholders.