Plant Controller

Plant Controller Full-Time Accounting and Finance Chicago SW Burbs, IL Company Overview The company is a middle-market, private equity-owned food manufacturer experiencing continued growth through operational excellence, strategic investment, and market/product expansion. The organization operates multiple manufacturing facilities and is focused on building scalable processes, enhancing profitability, and delivering best-in-class financial and operational performance. The company seeks a highly capable Plant Controller to serve as the senior finance leader at a key manufacturing facility located in the Chicago Southwest suburbs This position offers a unique opportunity to partner closely with plant leadership and corporate finance executives to drive financial performance, strengthen internal controls, and support operational decision-making within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Position Summary: The Plant Controller serves as the primary financial leader for the manufacturing facility and acts as a strategic business partner to plant operations leadership. Reporting directly to the Corporate Controller, this individual oversees all plant accounting, cost accounting, inventory accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and internal control activities. This position provides timely financial insights that support operational efficiency, cost reduction initiatives, and profitability improvement efforts. The role requires strong leadership, technical accounting expertise, manufacturing finance experience, and the ability to thrive in a private equity-backed environment where accountability, continuous improvement, and execution are critical to success. Position Responsibilities: Leads the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes for the manufacturing facility while ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established deadlines. Oversees all plant accounting activities, including cost accounting, inventory accounting, fixed assets, accruals, and general ledger management. Directs the preparation and analysis of monthly financial statements, operational reporting packages, and variance analyses for plant and corporate leadership. Partners closely with plant operations leadership to evaluate manufacturing performance, identify cost improvement opportunities, and support operational decision-making. Leads the development of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial models that support profitability improvement and operational scalability initiatives. Oversees inventory valuation, cycle count programs, and physical inventory processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective internal controls. Drives continuous improvement initiatives related to financial processes, ERP utilization, reporting capabilities, and operational efficiencies. Supports capital expenditure planning, investment analysis, and strategic initiatives designed to improve manufacturing performance and plant profitability. Develops, mentors, and manages plant accounting staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional development. Ensures compliance with GAAP, corporate accounting policies, audit requirements, and private equity-driven financial reporting expectations. Key Qualifications and Attributes: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business discipline required; CPA or CMA designation strongly preferred. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience within a manufacturing or food manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience in a Plant Controller, Assistant Controller, Cost Accounting Manager, or similar manufacturing finance leadership role. Strong understanding of GAAP accounting principles, financial reporting requirements, and manufacturing accounting practices. Extensive experience with cost accounting, standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing financial analysis. Proven ability to manage monthly and quarterly close processes while consistently meeting strict reporting deadlines. Experience developing annual budgets, forecasts, operational analyses, and KPI reporting within a manufacturing environment. Prior experience working within a private equity-backed organization preferred, including exposure to performance-driven and fast-paced business environments. Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel, including strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities. Demonstrated leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to effectively partner with plant leadership and corporate finance teams. Compensation: $125,000 - $150,000 plus bonus potential