Plant Controller

About the role

The Plant Controller provides strategic financial leadership and stewardship to the Plant Management team. This role partners across all areas of the business, serving as a trusted advisor to Business Unit Leaders and supporting the effective delivery of operational and financial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Business Partnering & Leadership Support
• Serves as a visible leader supporting business-critical functions across the organization
• Effectively communicates financial results and insights to both financial and non-financial stakeholders, fostering strong cross-functional collaboration
• Acts as a facilitator on strategic and tactical initiatives to support achievement of business objectives
• Provides both support and constructive challenge to ensure business decisions align with strategy and optimize, protect, and grow company assets
• Drives improvements in operational performance and efficiency
• Delivers meaningful, actionable insights and recommendations based on historical performance and forward-looking financial analysis
• Buils and maintains strong business partner relationships across functions and regions
• Shares expertise to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of financial management processes and best practices
• Supports the delivery of financial, operational, and strategic insights throughout the organization
• Promotes an open and collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous process improvement
• Acts as a catalyst in advancing key initiatives critical to executing business strategy
• Operating Budget, Performance Management & Variance Reporting
• Provide analytical support for developing base budget assumptions, including volume, revenue, and expense inflation, while incorporating cost-saving initiatives and new program investments
• Partner with Business Unit leadership to identify, understand, and manage key volume drivers, risks, and variances
• Actively participate in the month-end financial close process
• Prepare detailed analysis of operational and financial performance, including trend and root cause analysis of key metrics
• Clearly communicate findings and insights to Business Leaders, enabling informed decision-making
• Engage with leadership to develop, implement, and monitor corrective action plans
• Support labor and non-labor benchmarking analysis to drive efficiency
• Partner with Business Leaders on cost management and performance improvement initiatives
• Participate in cross-functional and client-based meetings to strengthen business understanding and alignment
• Compliance, Performance Improvement & Learning
• Guide Business Leaders in understanding and applying financial policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with corporate standards and GAAP
• Contribute to performance improvement initiatives that enhance operational and financial results
• Provide financial education and training to stakeholders across the organization, strengthening overall financial acumen and management capabilities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Finance or Accounting strongly preferred
• MBA with a concentration in Finance preferred
• 5–8 years of relevant finance experience, including strong expertise in financial statement analysis and corporate finance principles
• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong commitment to quality, customer service, and timely execution
• Proven ability to collaborate with and influence business leaders outside of Finance/Accounting, including presenting to senior leadership
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement effective solutions
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, leadership, and influencing capabilities
• High-energy, self-motivated individual with a proactive mindset
• Ability to build and maintain strong business partner relationships and communicate effectively across teams
• Skilled in leading and facilitating cross-functional meetings
• Self-starter with the ability to perform in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment

Skills

• Proficiency in computer systems and financial tools

Benefits

Commensurate with experience

Pay

TBD

Schedule

TBD

Qualifications

Commensurate with experience

Kennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.