Plant Controller

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant is a key member of the Finance & Accounting team, responsible for maintaining the integrity of the company's financial records, supporting month-end and year-end close processes, and providing accurate financial reporting to management. This role requires deep technical accounting knowledge and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic manufacturing environment where cost management, inventory control, and regulatory compliance are essential.

Key Responsibilities

General Ledger & Month-End Close:

Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring timely and accurate completion.

Prepare, review, and post journal entries including accruals, deferrals, and reclassifications.

Perform and document account reconciliations for balance sheet accounts, resolving variances promptly.

Maintain fixed asset subledger including additions, disposals, depreciation schedules, and impairment reviews.

Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance:

Support cost accounting functions including standard costing, variance analysis, and overhead allocation.

Partner with plant operations to analyze production costs, material usage, and yield efficiency.

Maintain and reconcile raw material, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventory accounts.

Assist in the development and maintenance of product cost standards and bill-of-materials cost reviews.

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

Prepare accurate monthly financial statements including income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow reports.

Develop and present variance analyses comparing actual results to budget, forecast, and prior periods.

Provide ad hoc financial analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making by management.

Support the preparation of board-level and investor financial reporting packages.

Compliance, Audit & Controls:

Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal accounting policies, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Support external audits by preparing work papers, schedules, and responding to auditor inquiries.

Identify, document, and help strengthen internal controls across financial processes.

Assist with tax compliance activities.

Budgeting & Forecasting:

Contribute to the annual budget process by compiling departmental inputs, validating cost assumptions, and building financial models.

Support rolling forecasting activities, identifying risks and opportunities relative to plan.

Track capital expenditures against budget and maintain project cost reporting schedules.

Technical Competencies

Required:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Minimum 5 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

Thorough knowledge of U.S. GAAP and standard accounting principles.

Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar).

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate findings clearly.

Proven attention to detail, organizational ability, and commitment to meeting deadlines.

Preferred:

CPA designation (active or eligible) preferred.

Public accounting experience

Experience in manufacturing industries.

Familiarity with cost accounting.

Experience supporting external audits and working with public accounting firms.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to wear and care for applicable personal protective equipment (such as, safety glasses and shoes, respirator, hard hat and ear protection, safety harness) as required by site specific requirements.

Ability to read and comprehend technical data.

Ability to work with and around various chemicals, lubricants, and temperatures common to a chemical processing facility.

About Columbia River Nitrogen LLC

Columbia River Nitrogen is a leading manufacturer of high-quality nitrogen-based fertilizers and chemical products. Strategically located in Deer Island, Oregon, with direct river access for efficient distribution. We deliver reliable, performance-driven solutions to agricultural and industrial clients nationwide.