Plant Controller (Multi-Site)
Location: Lincolnshire, IL or Chicago, IL (Hybrid – Onsite 3+ days/week)
Overview
We are seeking a Plant Controller to provide financial leadership across two manufacturing sites in the Chicago area. This role will serve as a trusted finance business partner to site and corporate leadership, driving manufacturing cost efficiency, margin expansion, revenue growth, and working capital optimization.
Reporting to the Finance Director with a dotted-line relationship to operations leadership, this is a high-impact, hands-on role for a finance leader who brings a strong blend of accounting, analytics, and operational partnership . The ideal candidate is comfortable rolling up their sleeves while also thinking strategically to elevate reporting, streamline processes, and influence decision-making at the plant and enterprise level.
This position offers exposure and impact beyond a traditional plant controller role and is well-suited for someone who thrives in a dynamic manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex, cross-functional challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Financial Reporting
- Deliver insightful financial analysis with clear context around results, trends, risks, and opportunities
- Analyze manufacturing performance including productivity, scrap, purchase price variance (PPV), spending trends, and capital investments
- Monitor and optimize net working capital (inventory, A/R, A/P)
Business Partnership
- Partner closely with operations, sales, and leadership on tactical and strategic initiatives
- Support customer and product profitability analysis, sales mix analytics, and new business quoting
- Provide financial support for growth initiatives, including integration activities as needed
Controls & Compliance
- Maintain a strong control environment and proactively identify and resolve risks or gaps
- Ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures, including revenue cut-off, reserves, and asset safeguarding
- Support audits and internal control initiatives
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead accurate and timely forecasting for the P&L and Balance Sheet
- Identify risks and opportunities and support standard cost processes
Stakeholder Management
- Act as a key liaison to internal teams (FP&A, Corporate Accounting, AP, AR) and external partners (vendors, customers)
Systems & Process Improvement
- Drive ERP enhancements, automation, and reporting improvements
- Develop dashboards and tools to improve visibility, efficiency, and decision-making
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related business field
- 7+ years of progressive experience, ideally in a manufacturing environment
- Strong background in cost accounting and manufacturing variance analysis
- 5+ years of experience with ERP financial modules (e.g., JD Edwards, Oracle, SAP; IQMS preferred)
Preferred Skills & Competencies
- MBA, CPA, CMA, or CFA strongly preferred
- Experience supporting SOX compliance and audit engagements
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
- Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
- Collaborative leader with the ability to influence across functions
- Excellent time management and prioritization skills
- Advanced Excel skills; experience with HFM, data warehouses (e.g., Qlik), and reporting tools a plus
Work Arrangement & Travel
- Onsite presence required 3+ days per week
- Less than 10% travel
Compensation & Benefits
This organization offers a competitive compensation package along with comprehensive benefits designed to support employee well-being and long-term growth. Benefits include health and wellness programs, retirement savings with employer contributions, paid time off, and additional incentives aligned with company performance and ownership mindset.