Assistant Plant Controller

General Overview:

The Assistant Plant Controller supports the financial operations of the manufacturing facility by delivering accurate reporting, cost accounting, budgeting support, and operational insights. This role partners closely with operations and finance leadership to strengthen cost controls, improve decision-making, and ensure compliance with financial policies. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly financial close activities, including journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations.
• Support preparation of plant financial statements, forecasts, and budgets.
• Conduct variance analysis on production, labor, overhead, and inventory performance.
   Provide actionable financial insights to operations leaders.

Cost Accounting & Inventory Control

• Maintain and analyze standard costs, routings, BOMs, and overhead rates.
• Monitor inventory accuracy, cycle counts, and excess/obsolete reserves.
• Analyze manufacturing variances and partner with operations to resolve root causes.
• Support physical inventory counts and reconciliation processes.

Operational Finance Support

• Partner with production, supply chain, and engineering teams to evaluate cost drivers and improvement opportunities.
• Support capital expenditure analysis, tracking, and post-investment reviews.
• Assist with labor efficiency, scrap, yield, and throughput reporting.
• Modeling investment decisions

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, SOX requirements, and corporate accounting policies.
• Support internal and external audits and remediation of findings.
• Assist in documenting and improving financial processes and controls.

Team & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support training on cost accounting processes and systems.
• Contribute to a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications: 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Experience with cost accounting, inventory accounting, and operational finance support.

Technical Skills

• Strong ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar).
• Advanced Excel skills, including financial modeling and variance analysis.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP and internal controls.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate financial information to non-financial partners.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Proactive mindset with interest in operational improvement and growth.

Smith Optics, Inc. was founded in 1965 with the creation of the first-ever goggle featuring a sealed thermal lens and breathable vent foam. In the early years, founder Dr. Bob Smith, an orthodontist by trade, made goggles by hand using dental tools, foam and glue. Before he struck a deal for manufacturing of Smith goggles in the late 60's, Smith would often trade his creations for lift tickets. These early prototypes were usually manufactured by Smith and friends around the kitchen table. Today, Smith Optics has become synonymous with innovative, durable, top-quality products in the eyewear and goggle market. We Make the Great Days Better.

Smith Optics is part of Safilo Group.

*This role requires onsite work in Clearfield, UT