Plant Controller

ESC has an exciting opportunity for a Plant Controller to support a leading manufacturing facility in Hazleton, PA. This full-time opportunity is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys partnering with operations to drive financial performance, strengthen internal controls, and provide strategic leadership within a plant environment. The Plant Controller will serve as a key business partner to plant leadership, overseeing accounting functions, cost management, inventory controls, financial reporting, and operational analysis to support profitability and informed decision-making.

Job Description:

• Lead all plant accounting activities, including cost accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and variance analysis

• Ensure the accuracy of physical inventory through oversight of inventory processes, reconciliation activities, and monthly inventory audits

• Investigate and explain book-to-physical inventory variances and recommend corrective actions as needed

• Maintain perpetual inventory records and reconcile inventory activity related to production, shipping, and returns on a regular basis

• Analyze inventory levels and identify potential excess or obsolete inventory items

• Prepare and accurately report monthly financial results to plant leadership and corporate stakeholders in accordance with established reporting timelines

• Develop monthly forecasts, annual operating plans, and support long-range strategic planning initiatives

• Submit financial transactions, reporting, and related documentation accurately and within required deadlines

• Ensure compliance with SOX requirements and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting

• Partner with corporate finance teams to resolve questions related to internal controls, accounting practices, and compliance matters

• Develop and maintain standard costs and bills of materials to support operational and financial reporting needs

• Participate in daily and weekly production meetings to provide financial insight and support operational decision-making

• Conduct plant walkthroughs with operations leadership to review production activity, labor reporting, material usage, overhead costs, distribution expenses, returns, and inventory trends

• Analyze manufacturing performance and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability

• Manage and develop front office staff while promoting accountability and operational excellence

• Support special projects and additional responsibilities as assigned by plant leadership

Must Have Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment

• Strong understanding of GAAP principles and accounting best practices

• Experience with inventory accounting, cost analysis, and financial reporting

• Experience developing forecasts, budgets, and strategic financial plans

• Knowledge of SOX compliance requirements and internal control frameworks

• Experience with JD Edwards Enterprise or similar ERP systems

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including the ability to create and modify complex spreadsheets

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently while maintaining attention to detail

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across finance and operations teams

Nice to Have Qualifications:

• Previous experience serving as a Plant Controller or Cost Accounting leader within manufacturing

• Experience leading inventory audits and physical inventory processes

• Experience partnering directly with plant leadership to drive operational improvements

• Supervisory or team leadership experience

• Experience supporting strategic planning initiatives and profitability analysis

• Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing environments