Controller (Milwaukee)

Plant Controller | North Milwaukee Area

Take ownership of plant financial performance with a well-established, publicly traded global manufacturer known for more than a century of quality and innovation. This role combines accounting leadership, operational finance, and team development, with the opportunity to influence decisions that improve profitability and plant performance.

Why Work Here?

• Strong retirement benefits, including a pension plan and a 401(k) with company matching contributions.
• Affordable healthcare with low employee premiums and a company contribution of approximately $1,500 annually toward deductible expenses.
• Direct partnership with plant leadership on financial performance, cost reduction, and operational improvements.
• Leadership responsibility with opportunities to develop your team and pursue managerial or technical career paths.
• Paid vacation and holidays, tuition assistance, an employee stock purchase plan, and company-paid insurance benefits.

The Opportunity

The Plant Controller oversees accounting, reporting, financial planning and analysis, inventory cycle counting, SOX compliance, and payroll activities. This person leads a team of 2–8 employees and partners closely with management to strengthen controls, improve processes, and support operating decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily accounting operations and deliver an accurate, timely month-end close.
• Prepare daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly plant financial performance reports.
• Oversee account reconciliations and present balance sheet reviews during quarterly accounting meetings.
• Maintain SOX compliance and effective financial controls throughout the plant.
• Lead the inventory cycle count program to ensure inventory accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain product standard costs and coordinate updates according to company guidelines.
• Develop annual budgets and monthly and quarterly forecasts, monitor performance, and explain variances.
• Identify, implement, and track cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide financial analysis to support operational planning and business decisions.
• Oversee accurate, timely payroll processing and adherence to applicable agreements and company policies.
• Coach and develop the accounting team.
• Lead special projects to enhance plant performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 5–7 years of relevant accounting or finance experience.
• CPA and/or MBA preferred.
• Strong knowledge of general accounting, cost accounting, purchasing, and payroll.
• Comprehensive understanding of standard costing systems and manufacturing budgeting processes.
• Demonstrated experience in operational planning and cost reduction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• An organized, collaborative approach with the flexibility to manage changing priorities.