Posted August 15, 2026
Plant Controller
Robert Half
Elwood, IN, US
Full Time
100000USD - 115000USD per year
Job Description
Job Description
We are looking for an experienced Plant Controller to support financial performance at our food manufacturing facility in Elwood, Indiana. This position will oversee plant-level accounting activities, provide meaningful analysis on costs and operating results, and help leadership make informed business decisions. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing finance expertise with a focus on budgeting, inventory, labor spending, and cost control.
Responsibilities:
• Lead plant accounting operations, including period-end close, financial reporting, and analysis of manufacturing results.
• Prepare budgets and forecasts by partnering with operational leaders to evaluate production plans, labor spending, and expected costs.
• Monitor standard costs, inventory movements, and production performance to identify trends and explain financial variances.
• Review capital spending activity, track project-related costs, and support financial oversight of plant investments.
• Develop reporting that highlights cost drivers, operational risks, and opportunities to improve plant profitability.
• Ensure accuracy in inventory valuation and manufacturing accounting records through consistent controls and reconciliations.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to strengthen financial discipline and support data-driven decision-making across the facility.• At least 5 years of experience in plant finance, manufacturing accounting, or cost accounting roles.
• Background in food manufacturing or a similar production environment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in manufacturing cost accounting, including standard costing and variance analysis.
• Experience managing month-end close activities and preparing timely, accurate financial reports.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, labor cost analysis, and inventory accounting.
• Ability to interpret financial data and communicate practical insights to plant and operations leadership.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel for financial analysis, reporting, and reconciliations.
Responsibilities:
• Lead plant accounting operations, including period-end close, financial reporting, and analysis of manufacturing results.
• Prepare budgets and forecasts by partnering with operational leaders to evaluate production plans, labor spending, and expected costs.
• Monitor standard costs, inventory movements, and production performance to identify trends and explain financial variances.
• Review capital spending activity, track project-related costs, and support financial oversight of plant investments.
• Develop reporting that highlights cost drivers, operational risks, and opportunities to improve plant profitability.
• Ensure accuracy in inventory valuation and manufacturing accounting records through consistent controls and reconciliations.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to strengthen financial discipline and support data-driven decision-making across the facility.• At least 5 years of experience in plant finance, manufacturing accounting, or cost accounting roles.
• Background in food manufacturing or a similar production environment is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in manufacturing cost accounting, including standard costing and variance analysis.
• Experience managing month-end close activities and preparing timely, accurate financial reports.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, labor cost analysis, and inventory accounting.
• Ability to interpret financial data and communicate practical insights to plant and operations leadership.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel for financial analysis, reporting, and reconciliations.
