Plant Controller

About the role

Our client, a rapidly growing beverage manufacturing company, is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to support the launch of a major new manufacturing facility in Philadelphia, PA. This organization specializes in large-scale production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, utilizing advanced automation and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished accounting and finance leader to play a key role in establishing and overseeing the financial operations of a new facility.

Reporting to senior finance leadership, the Plant Controller will oversee plant accounting, financial reporting, cost accounting, and internal controls while partnering closely with operations and production leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and financial reporting activities for the Philadelphia manufacturing facility.
• Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial statements.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, inventory, labor, and production variances to support operational performance.
• Partner with plant operations, supply chain, and production leadership to drive financial discipline and informed business decisions.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP, internal controls, and applicable financial reporting requirements.
• Oversee general ledger reconciliations, account analysis, and external audit preparation.
• Develop financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis to support business planning and operational goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while implementing efficient processes and procedures.
• Support ERP enhancements, accounting system improvements, and process optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate with corporate finance leadership to establish consistent accounting practices and reporting standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, preferably within a large-scale manufacturing environment.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing and developing accounting teams.
• Direct plant-level accounting experience, including cost accounting, inventory management, and production-related financial analysis.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting, including ASC 606 and ASC 842.
• Advanced ERP experience; SAP strongly preferred. Oracle and other major ERP platforms will also be considered.
• Proven ability to partner with operational leadership and translate financial data into actionable insights.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated career progression and a stable employment history.

Schedule

Significant travel to existing facilities in Texas and California will be required during the initial facility buildout, estimated at 40% or more. Candidates must be comfortable with frequent travel during this initial phase. Once the Philadelphia facility is operational, the position will be 100% onsite.