Plant Controller

About the role

We are looking for a Plant Controller to provide hands-on financial leadership for a manufacturing site in Chester, Virginia. This Long-term Contract position will oversee plant accounting operations, support accurate inventory and cost reporting, and partner closely with cross-functional teams to guide business decisions. The ideal candidate brings strong experience in manufacturing finance, thrives in a fast-paced setting, and can build clear documentation while supporting knowledge transfer and team continuity.

Responsibilities

• Direct plant accounting activities with a focus on cost accuracy, including inventory valuation, reserve analysis, standard cost maintenance, and manufacturing cost performance.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual closing activities by preparing entries, reviewing account balances, completing reconciliations, and delivering timely financial reports.
• Oversee inventory accounting processes such as cycle and physical count support, reserve assessments, warehouse-related reviews, and valuation monitoring.
• Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, and Finance teams to provide financial insight that supports manufacturing and business decisions.
• Analyze production variances, work-in-progress activity, and other cost drivers to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and planning activities by developing financial analysis and models tied to plant operations.
• Create and maintain process documentation, work instructions, and training resources to preserve key knowledge and improve consistency.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience at a Plant Controller or Finance Manager level, including independent responsibility in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in manufacturing cost accounting, plant accounting, or plant controllership.
• Advanced SAP experience with the ability to support plant-level financial processes and reporting.
• Deep knowledge of inventory accounting, valuation methods, reserve accounting, standard costing, and manufacturing variance analysis.
• Proven experience supporting month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and balance sheet review.
• Experience with forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning processes in an operational setting.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to partner effectively across functions.
• Demonstrated ability to document processes, train team members, and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance available to contract/temporary professionals.
• Eligibility to enroll in the company 401(k) plan.
• Free online training resources.