THE ROLE:- This position will report to the: Operations Controller
- Travel requirements: N/A
- FLSA Status: Exempt
- Shift: 1
- Employment Category: Full-Time Regular
- Pay Range: $140,000-$160,000
WHAT YOU'LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IN THIS ROLEThe Assistant Operations Controller is responsible for overseeing plant cost accounting, inventory accounting, financial analysis, and related reporting activities for manufacturing operations. This role develops and maintains product costing models, monitors inventory controls, analyzes manufacturing variances, and partners closely with operations leadership to drive financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and informed business decision-making. The Assistant Operations Controller ensures compliance with account standards, supports month-end and year-end close processes, maintains strong internal controls, and provides detailed financial analysis and reporting to senior leadership. This position plays a key role in inventory management, cost optimization, process improvement initiatives, and continuous enhancements of accounting systems and reporting capabilities.
- Develop true product standard cost using activity-based costing for 1,000+ SKU's
- Manage reporting on manufacturing cost variances on direct labor and overhead expenses vs. budget and absorption on the spending production of carrots
- Develop standard cost for packaging material and purchase spending of carrots
- Perform monthly inventory reconciliations of all categories of inventory for Cello, Cut & Peeled, NI, and Food Service plants.
- Generate plant allocation on actual expenses between conventional and organic carrot operations.
- Maintain an effective control environment related to inventory transactional accounting
- Ensure controls related to inventory controls and product costing is performed on a timely basis
- Manage Inventory Cycle Count Process in plant consumption locations for packaging materials inventory to ensure the integrity of balances reported in Financial Statements as well as true material usage variance reporting.
- Support Cost Accounting organization with month end close process following rigid timelines to complete accounting financial close activities within 5 1/2 business days
- Support internal and external audit teams to provide requested documentation related to cost accounting and inventory reporting and to ensure proper accounting principles are being followed.
- Responsible for maintaining accurate master data on inventory items in JD Edwards as well as RP System.
- Maintain thorough and accurate documentation related to Inventory Accounting processes and procedures including AAI's in JD Edwards ERP System working with Master Data department
- Develop and maintain extensive inventory reporting/modeling and KPI's for regular reporting
- Detail analysis and explanations on monthly financial results to senior management on retail carrot plants
- Perform root cause analysis and independently solve business problems associated with plant operations, inventory management working with Warehouse/Inventory Control and Plant personnel
- Directly supervise Cost Accountants
- Provide coaching, development, and performance management to assigned team members.
- Leads cross-functional teams related to inventory control and financial process improvements.
- Lead the development of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial projections for manufacturing operations while providing ongoing variance analysis and recommendations to management.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORRequired Skills and Abilities:- Experience in designing / developing data queries and reports
- Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement initiatives, root cause analysis and project management
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, ERP systems, and financial analysis tools.
- Excellent critical thinking, oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to details; strong interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of individuals in warehouse, plant, and various departments.
- Excellent problem solving skills with the desire to be the teal leaders as well as team player at times
- Ability to work well in self-direct, fast-paced, changing environment.
Minimum Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 7+ years of progressive cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing, agricultural, or food production environment.
- Minimum of 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience managing accounting staff or cross-functional accounting processes.
- Deep, hands-on experience with Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne or equivalent ERP system in a cost accounting capacity.
- Strong understanding of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Experience preparing and analyzing financial reports and cost-related metrics.
- Ability to communicate complex financial information to operational and executive leadership.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills.
- Candidates must have a verifiable history of safe vehicle operation and meet company standards for driving eligibility. This includes maintaining a clean driving record, which will be verified through a background check.
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience in food manufacturing, agriculture, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
- Track record of building, formalizing, or improving cost accounting functions within a plant or manufacturing environment.
- SOX compliance experience a plus.
- Advances financial modeling experience.
- Power BI or business intelligence reporting experience.
- Manufacturing KPI development and dashboard reporting.
- Experience supporting annual financial audits.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or MBA preferred.
Physical Demands:- Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with frequent interruptions.
- Ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.
- Ability to ascend and descend ramps, steps ladders, stairs using three- point contact. Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to 40 lbs.
- Operate office equipment requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard.
Hours & Workdays:- 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday through Friday onsite, when business requires before/after hours will be mandatory
8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday through Friday onsite, when business requires before/after hours will be mandatory
