POSITION SUMMARY:The Plant Controller is responsible for leading the organization's cost accounting and financial reporting functions while providing strategic financial support to manufacturing operations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Bonner, Montana. This position serves as a business partner to plant leadership, driving financial performance through cost accounting, inventory control, operational analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Controller ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial information while supporting business growth, profitability, and operational excellence.
This position is based within the corporate finance organization and requires periodic travel to manufacturing facilities in South Dakota and Montana.
FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Financial Leadership- Direct and oversee all Plant cost accounting operations, including general ledger and financial reporting.
- Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual Plant financial statements.
- Assist Corporate Accounting with month-end and year-end close processes.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
- Coordinate external audits and tax reporting activities for the Plants.
Manufacturing Cost Accounting- Lead all manufacturing cost accounting activities for South Dakota and Montana operations.
- Set and maintain standard costing systems and ensure accurate product costing for Plant operations.
- Analyze labor, material, overhead, and manufacturing variances and communicate findings to operational leaders.
- Evaluate product profitability, contribution margins, and production efficiencies.
- Develop and monitor plant-level KPIs related to labor utilization, scrap, inventory turns, absorption, and manufacturing productivity.
- Partner with operations leadership to identify cost reduction opportunities and improve financial performance.
- Review and validate inventory valuations and reserves.
- Monitor inventory accuracy and support cycle count and physical inventory processes.
Plant Financial Support- Serve as the primary financial business partner to Plant Managers and operational leadership teams.
- Support capital expenditure analysis, ROI calculations, and investment decisions.
- Assist plant leadership in understanding financial results and performance trends.
- Develop financial models to evaluate operational initiatives and improvement projects.
- Provide guidance on labor planning, manufacturing efficiency, and cost management strategies.
Budgeting and Forecasting- Assist Corporate FP&A with Plants annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
- Analyze actual results versus budget and forecast expectations.
- Partner with department leaders to develop accurate operating plans and financial projections.
- Identify financial risks and opportunities and provide recommendations to senior leadership.
Internal Controls and Compliance- Maintain strong internal controls and financial processes across multiple locations.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulations.
- Develop and implement process improvements to strengthen financial accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Support ERP Perpetual and BOM optimization and financial system enhancements.
Leadership and Collaboration- Develop strong working relationships with operational, engineering, purchasing, HR, and supply chain teams.
- Participate in strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives.
- Present financial results and recommendations to executive leadership.
Education- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
- CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
Experience- Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing cost accounting experience required.
- Experience with standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing financial analysis.
- Multi-site manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting operational leaders in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Manufacturing ERP experience required, Genius ERP experience a plus.
- Experience implementing Perpetual Costing system ideal.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Advanced knowledge of cost accounting principles and manufacturing finance.
- Strong understanding of inventory management, absorption accounting, and variance analysis.
- Excellent financial modeling and analytical skills.
- Advanced Excel and reporting system capabilities.
- Strong business acumen and ability to translate financial data into operational actions.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to influence decision-making across all levels of the organization.
Travel Requirements- Travel to South Dakota and Montana manufacturing facilities approximately 20-30% of the time, or as business needs require.
