Plant Controller

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world's leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.

Hearthside's exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!

We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.

JOB SUMMARY

The Plant Controller will be a key player in the plant management team, serving as the financial point of contact. Provides key analysis and insights to guide decision making, as well as taking a leadership role in challenging the plant to improve financial performance. Has the functional responsibility for financial reporting, monitoring of actual results, forecasting, planning, and analysis. Responsible for leading and developing the annual budget, capital spending proposals and new product costing. Resides primarily at the plant level to assist Plant Manager and VP of Manufacturing in the aforementioned metrics. Five (5) years related experience required.

JOB DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Ensures all plant operational performance andfinancial accounting/reporting needs are met to enable the plant to meet their budgeted financial goals and objectives.

• Provides strong leadership and direction to the local plant management team to ensure sound financial and operational decisions.

• Responsible for managing the month end closing activities, including variance analysis and monthly reconciliation of plant balances. Ensures accruals/reserves are sufficient and review of spend for correctness and appropriateness of classification.

• Lead the forecasting process and annual budget process for the plant, including preparation of the financial manufacturing budget, product standard costs, and variance analysis against forecast and plan.

• Assist plant management team with capital planning, including calculating and evaluating financial payback on all capital expenditure proposals.

• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the plants accounting systems and records, as well as strict compliance to US GAAP Accounting Standards and accounting policies/ procedures for the company.

• Develop standard costs, update and create new Bill of Materials and Routings within SAP.

• Analyze and reconcile monthly inventories both at plant and 3rd party warehouses. Ensure the accuracy of physical inventories and reported results.

• Participate in annual audit requirements as necessary.

• Provide finance leadership and development to the local plant team, in addition to continuous improvement initiatives at the plant level.

• Instill strong cost control, planning, and forecasting discipline to assist senior plant management and department heads in controlling manufacturing costs.

• Implement financial policies/procedures as communicated by Corporate. Develop local policies/procedures in support of and consistent with Corporate set policies.

• Other tasks as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

• Financial modeling, cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting.

• Fundamental knowledge of, understanding of internal and external research methods for, and driving compliance of GAAP.

• Procurement and production processes.

• Manufacturing environment, preferably food.

Skill in:

• Leadership and financial acumen

• Continuous improvement

• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills

• Strong oral communication skills

• Experience providing insightful analysis and financial advice to business partners in response to business need or opportunity

• Ability to deal with ambiguity, change and a dynamic business environment

Ability to:

• Read, analyze and interpret company policies, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or government regulations.

• Demonstrate strategic planning for results, analytical thinking and technical/functional expertise.

• Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

• Effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers at the plant and corporate level.

• Lead, modeling the organization's culture and values, providing guidance and direction, influencing and developing others while maintaining integrity, blending people into teams when needed, and fostering open dialogue.

• Manage change, accepting the challenges involved in transitioning the organization.

• Successfully multi-task, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Ensure collaborative relationships with industry, trade, other associations, regulatory agencies and Hearthside staff.

Proficiency in:

• Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access)
• Microsoft Excel (advanced skills)
• SAP (or similar ERP/MRP)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor Degree in Accounting/Finance.

• Minimum of five years' experience in Cost/Managerial accounting in an industrial sector, preferably high-volume manufacturing.

• Experience with financial modeling.

• Ability to identifying areas for continuous improvement and/or cost reductions and making recommendations for enhancement.

• Plant Controller or Assistant Controller experience is a plus. CMA or CPA preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sitting at a workstation for extended periods of time.

• Stand, walk, climb stairs.

• Must be able to lift 20 pounds on an infrequent basis.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is primarily done in an office setting with frequent collaboration in plant.

• Production environment exposure includes noise, dust, moving machinery, forklifts, and fluctuations in temperature.

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Hearthside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.