Plant Controller

Plant Controller | $120,000 to $160,000

We are partnering with a growing manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Plant Controller to lead financial operations at one of its key facilities. This individual will serve as a strategic business partner to plant leadership, overseeing accounting operations, cost management, financial reporting, and operational performance.

The ideal candidate brings a strong manufacturing accounting background, hands-on leadership experience, and the ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all plant-level accounting and financial operations, including month-end close, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Lead cost accounting activities, including standard costing, inventory valuation, variance analysis, and cost of goods sold (COGS).
• Partner closely with plant leadership to evaluate operational performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and improve profitability.
• Analyze manufacturing variances related to labor, materials, overhead, and production efficiency.
• Develop and monitor plant KPIs, providing financial insights to support operational decision-making.
• Manage annual budgets, financial forecasts, capital expenditures, and working capital initiatives.
• Maintain strong internal controls, ensuring compliance with GAAP and corporate accounting policies.
• Oversee inventory controls, physical inventory counts, reconciliations, and inventory accuracy.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, cost reduction, and process optimization.
• Lead, mentor, and develop plant accounting personnel while collaborating with corporate finance leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5 years of progressive accounting and finance experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience as a Plant Controller, Assistant Controller, Cost Accounting Manager, or similar manufacturing finance leadership role.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, manufacturing variances, and operational financial analysis.
• Experience managing budgeting, forecasting, month-end close, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with operations and influence business decisions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

What We're Looking For:

A hands-on finance leader who enjoys being close to the business and working directly with operations. This position is ideal for someone who can balance traditional controllership responsibilities with strategic financial analysis, process improvements, and operational decision support.

Brilliant is an award-winning direct-hire, contract and consulting practice specializing in accounting, finance and technology for the Midwest and Southeast regions of the U.S. Many of Brilliant’s team members include former accounting, finance and technology professionals who are experts in the fields.