What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Controller position at Hixwood?
Description
Job Summary
The Plant Controller is responsible for overseeing all financial and accounting activities at the plant level, ensuring accurate reporting, cost control, and strategic financial support for operational decision-making. This role partners closely with plant leadership to drive operational efficiency, profitability, and compliance with company standards and industry best practices.
Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Controls
- Oversee plant-level accounting operations, including GL, AR, AP, payroll coordination, cost accounting, and fixed asset management.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and internal controls.
- Serve as key liaison for plant audits (internal and external).
Costing & Operational Support
- Lead cost accounting functions, including job costing, variance analysis, and margin reporting.
- Partner with plant operations leadership to track KPIs, improve labor and material efficiency, and reduce waste.
- Provide financial analysis to support capital investments, process improvements, and strategic projects.
Reporting & Analysis
- Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities at the plant level.
- Prepare and present accurate financial statements, forecasts, and variance analysis.
- Maintain key metrics dashboards for daily/weekly/monthly plant performance.
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead annual plant budget process in collaboration with corporate and plant leadership.
- Provide rolling forecasts and scenario analysis to anticipate risks and opportunities.
- Support long-term strategic planning through financial modeling.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as financial business partner to the Plant General Manager and site leadership team.
- Manage, mentor, and develop plant accounting staff.
Core Value Expectations
- Model high character, trust, and performance in all aspects of work.
- Deliver distinctive quality and service to internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrate integrity, respect, humility, and teamwork.
- Foster continuous improvement and accountability across plant operations.
Requirements
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (MBA/CPA/CMA preferred).
- Minimum 5–7 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a manufacturing or plant environment.
- Strong knowledge of cost accounting, standard costing systems, and manufacturing KPIs. *Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to influence decisions across operations and leadership.
- High level of integrity, accountability, and results orientation.