How You'll Make an Impact As a
Plant Controller, you'll be at the forefront of our operations finance organization, driving financial performance, operational excellence, and strategic decision-making across manufacturing operations in Gastonia, North Carolina and Spartanburg, South Carolina. You'll collaborate with plant leadership, engineering, production, and finance teams to deliver sustainable solutions that improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and support business growth. In this role, you will:
- Provide financial leadership and strategic support to plant management, engineering, and production teams.
- Prepare, analyze, and present detailed financial reports and business insights to senior leadership.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost management activities across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company policies, and internal control requirements.
- Drive cost-saving initiatives, process improvements, and operational efficiencies through cross-functional collaboration.
- Manage monthly financial close activities, reporting processes, and absorption accounting practices.
- Utilize SAP to improve financial processes, data quality, and reporting capabilities.
- Review production variances, purchase price variances, inventory adjustments, and key plant performance metrics.
- Lead annual operating expense budgeting, forecasting activities, labor and overhead rate development, and capital planning processes.
- Oversee inventory controls, cycle counts, annual physical inventories, and standard cost analysis activities.
- Mentor and develop finance professionals while serving as a trusted business partner to plant leadership.
Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of finance or accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience using SAP within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of absorption accounting principles and manufacturing cost accounting.
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, inventory accounting, and financial reporting.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to effectively partner with plant management, engineering teams, and production personnel.
- Proven self-starter with strong teamwork and leadership capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications that Drive You Forward - Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Master of Business Administration (MBA).
- Lean Six Sigma certification.
- Experience with zero-based budgeting initiatives.
- Experience leading and developing finance professionals.
Your Work Environment At Lubrizol, we're committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work-whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:
- Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
- Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
- Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
- Occasional lifting or movement of materials
- Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards
We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.
Benefits that Empower You - Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
- 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
- Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
- Flexible work environment
- Learning and development opportunities
- Career and professional growth
- Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement
Learn more at https://benefits.lubrizol.com/!
