Plant Controller

Position: Plant Controller

Department: Accounting

Location: Macon, GA

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Job Purpose:

The Plant Controller will be responsible for directly supporting the manufacturing leaders and process through tracking, reporting and identifying opportunities to control and reduce manufacturing costs. Success in this role will require ability to do the full range of manufacturing cost accounting, develop and propose cost containing or reducing initiatives, influencing operation personnel to adopt new processes, and recommend and implement methods, processes and systems to accomplish the work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform cost accounting processes to set, update and maintain standard costs for each product by analyzing initial and impact of fluctuations in raw material, labor, and overhead costs.
• Support pricing strategies with cost versus pricing analysis.
• Regularly analyze the difference between planned versus actual costs, identify the causes of variances and recommend improvements.
• Develop and propose strategies to optimize manufacturing efficiency and raw material usage.
• Establish control processes to calculate and account for work in process and optimizing costs through inventory management, such as, avoiding overstocking.
• Ensure controls are in place for material and parts inventory management.
• Oversee accuracy of Bill of Materials to reflect changes in manufacturing process and recommend ways to optimize BOMs and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Monitor budgets and actual costs for capital and specific projects and product lines.
• Ensure containment practices are in place to prevent cost overruns for designated projects.
• Monitor the result and effectiveness of cost reduction projects.
• Perform manufacturing cost forecasting based on business plans and contribute to annual budgeting.
• Ensure budget compliance and minimize risk of budget overruns.
• Provide data and analysis for monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and strengthen internal controls.
• Provide necessary information and documentation for internal or external audits.
• Identify financial risks in the manufacturing process and develop strategies to mitigate them.
• Monitor cash flows associated with manufacturing and ensure efficient use of funds.
• Ensure compliance with tax regulation, contribute to tax planning and assist with formulation and implementation of tax strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA certification preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive finance experience, with at least three years in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting principles, cost accounting concepts, and inventory management.
• Proficiency in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization.