Plant Controller

Job Title: Plant Controller

Department: Accounting & Finance

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Individual Contributor role with no direct reports

vcfo has partnered with an organic tea importer based in the Houston Metro area. As the team expands, they are seeking a Plant Controller responsible for overseeing financial operations at the plant level, including financial reporting, cost accounting, inventory control, and operational financial analysis. This role ensures the accuracy of financial data, supports budgeting and forecasting processes, and provides insight into production performance and cost drivers.

This individual will work closely with production, warehouse, and leadership teams to monitor financial performance, identify variances, and implement processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and control. The role requires a hands-on approach in a lean environment with direct involvement in both financial and operational activities.

Job Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Control

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records
• Manage the consolidation of financial data and preparation of internal financial reports
• Support the preparation of financial statements and coordinate with external auditors
• Develop and maintaininternal controls, policies, and procedures

Cost Accounting & Inventory

• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and strong controls
• Oversee cost accounting processes, including standard costing and variance analysis
• Monitor and analyze production variances (labor, material, yield)
• Maintain and improve inventory controls, including cycle counts and reconciliations
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies and ensure alignment between physical and system inventory

Operational Financial Support

• Work with production and warehouse teams to monitor operational performance and cost drivers
• Establish regular review of production, inventory, and financial metrics
• Identify and address gaps in planning, reporting, and data accuracy
• Provide financial input to support operational decision-making

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Support the development of budgets and forecasts
• Monitor performance against budget and provide variance analysis
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs)

Process Improvement & Systems

• Evaluate existing accounting and operational processes and implement improvements
• Support the use and improvement of ERP systemsand reporting tools
• Improve data accuracy and consistency across financial and operational systems

Collaboration & Communication

• Work cross-functionally with production, warehouse, other departments, and leadership teams
• Communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Support coordination with external accounting partners and service providers

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure audit readiness and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and regulatory requirements
• Support audit preparation and regulatory reporting processes
• Support cross-functional initiatives and strategic projectsas assigned by the CEO
• Perform other duties as required

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5–10 years of progressive accounting or finance experience
• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment preferred
• Experience with cost accounting and inventory management required
• ERP systemexperience required (NetSuite or similar systems preferred)

Skills:

• Knowledge of Accounting: Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Cost & Inventory Accounting: Understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, and manufacturing financial processes.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skillswith the ability to identify variances and determine root causes.
• Systems Proficiency: Experience with ERP and WMS systemsand strong Microsoft Excel skills; ability to use systems to improve data accuracy and reporting.
• Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication; ability to translate financialand operational data into actionable insights.
• Time & Priority Management: Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines while balancing strategic and day-to-day responsibilities.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions.
• Independence: Ability to work independently in a lean environment with a high level of accountability.
• Integrity & Accountability: Demonstrates sound judgment, ethical decision-making, and strong ownership and follow-through.

Benefits:

We believe our employees are our greatest asset and are committed to providing a safe, collaborative workplace where people can learn, grow, and build rewarding careers.

In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer-paid life insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off, paid holidays, flexible spending accounts, and opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit and work on a computer for extended periods
• Occasional standing, walking,and movement within production and warehouse areas
• Frequent movement between production floor, warehouse, and office areas.
• Manufacturing and production environment.
• Exposure to production equipment, noise, temperature variations, and food ingredients.
• Must adhere to all safety, GMP, and food safety protocols.

Hiring Practices:

• The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.
• It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.
• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by management or the CEO.
• To perform this job successfully, the employee(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.

EEO:

• The company supports an equal employment opportunity for all applicants consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws; and is a drug-free workplace that complies with ADA regulations as applicable.