Plant Controller

The
Plant Controller
serves as a key financial leader within the plant, driving operational performance through strategic financial reporting, cost analysis, and continuous partnership with plant management. This role manages the daily plant finance activities—budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, and month-end close—while providing actionable insights that inform production and business decisions. The ideal candidate will bring a CPA designation, hands-on experience in dairy manufacturing, and a proactive approach to improving processes within a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead plant-level financial reporting, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and alignment with company objectives.
• Partner with operations leadership to analyze KPIs, track productivity, and identify cost reduction and process improvement opportunities.
• Manage monthly financial close activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Oversee all aspects of inventory accounting—standard costing, yield/loss tracking, and valuation of perishable goods.
• Prepare and present detailed financial reports during monthly business review meetings.
• Direct budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking for plant operations.
• Maintain internal controls and ensure audit readiness.
• Supervise and mentor a small accounting team (Assistant Controller and two accountants).
• Perform and analyze ERP transactions and reports (SAP strongly preferred).
• Support special projects, including facility expansion, automation, and process efficiency initiatives.

Qualifications

• CPA required
• 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting or finance within a
  dairy manufacturing environment
• Strong ERP proficiency (SAP experience preferred)
• Proven track record partnering with plant operations to influence financial results
• Leadership experience managing accounting teams
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to thrive in a growing and dynamic manufacturing setting

Compensation & Schedule

• Starting salary:
  $90,000 – $145,000+ per year (commensurate with experience)(annual comp may be negotiable above $145,000 per year for those with top-teir experience/skills)
• Bonus eligibility
• Full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and PTO
• Schedule:
  Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Relocation assistance considered
  (local candidates preferred)

Why This Role Stands Out

Our client is a well-established, privately held dairy/food manufacturing organization specializing in premium dairy products and known for its long-standing tradition of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Family-owned for generations, the company continues to expand its operations and facilities to meet growing national demand. With deep roots in the Cleveland area, it remains one of the largest producers of ricotta and Italian-style cheeses in the United States.

• Family-owned company with a warm, collaborative culture
• Significant plant expansion and modernization under way
• Opportunity for high visibility and influence within operations
• Stability and long-term career growth in a leading national dairy producer