Plant Controller

Upside Search is partnering with a leading, publicly traded manufacturing organization to identify a Plant Controller for its manufacturing facility in Fernley, Nevada. Our client is an established industry leader with a strong reputation for innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

This is an exciting opportunity for a manufacturing finance professional who enjoys being hands-on with operations and wants to play a meaningful role in driving the financial performance of an entire facility.

Reporting directly to the Director of Manufacturing Controllership, with a dotted-line relationship to the Plant Manager, this individual will serve as a key member of the plant leadership team. The position is heavily focused on operational finance, standard costing, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and partnering with manufacturing leadership to identify cost savings and improve overall performance. Unlike a traditional Controller position focused primarily on transactional accounting, this role offers the opportunity to work closely with operations, influence business decisions, and help drive measurable improvements throughout the facility.

The position is open due to an internal promotion, making it an excellent opportunity for an experienced Plant Controller or a strong Plant Finance Manager, Cost Accounting Manager, or Manufacturing Finance professional ready to take the next step in their career.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strategic financial business partner to the Plant Manager and manufacturing leadership team, providing financial insight and guidance to support operational decisions.
• Lead plant-level financial planning and analysis, including monthly forecasting, annual budgeting, financial reporting, and variance analysis.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, including material, labor, overhead, and production variances, to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and profitability.
• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for manufactured products, including participation in annual cost roll processes.
• Monitor and evaluate plant financial performance, operational KPIs, and cost savings initiatives, providing actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Partner with operations to identify and implement cost reduction opportunities, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.
• Oversee plant-level month-end close activities, including accruals, reclassifications, financial reporting, and ensuring accurate financial results.
• Support financial planning and analysis related to repairs, maintenance, operational spending, and other plant initiatives.
• Provide financial guidance on operational strategies, capital expenditures, and business decisions through financial modeling and ad hoc analysis.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with US GAAP, SOX requirements, and corporate accounting policies.
• Collaborate with corporate finance, accounting, and IT teams to improve financial reporting, systems, and business processes.
• Support ERP and financial reporting system enhancements, including ongoing automation and process improvement initiatives.
• Participate in annual audits, year-end financial activities, and other corporate reporting requirements.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in a Plant Controller, Plant Finance Manager, Cost Accounting Manager, Manufacturing Finance Manager, or similar role.
• Manufacturing industry experience required, with a strong understanding of plant operations, manufacturing cost structures, and financial performance drivers.
• Strong standard costing experience, including material and labor variance analysis, manufacturing cost accounting, and cost optimization.
• Experience with financial forecasting, annual budgeting, month-end close, and management reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with plant managers and operational leadership to improve financial and operational performance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling capabilities.
• Knowledge of US GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting requirements; SOX experience preferred.
• Experience with major ERP systems such as JD Edwards, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to analyze and communicate complex financial information.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross functional stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable taking ownership in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with JD Edwards and/or OneStream.
• Background in a publicly traded or larger manufacturing organization.
• Experience supporting manufacturing cost reduction initiatives, operational improvement projects, or financial reporting automation.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA credentials are a plus, but not required.

What Makes This Opportunity Exciting?

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to be more than just the person responsible for the numbers. You'll have a seat at the table with plant leadership and the ability to make a real impact on how the facility operates, from identifying cost savings to helping guide financial and operational decisions. The facility supports a diverse range of operations, including manufacturing, raw material processing, warehousing, and distribution, giving you exposure to multiple aspects of the business. There is also potential for continued growth through new product introductions and increased production capacity.

Our client is a well-established, publicly traded organization with a strong market presence, a commitment to innovation, and a history of promoting talent internally. In fact, this position is open due to an internal promotion. For someone currently working as a Plant Finance Manager, Cost Accounting Manager, or Controller at a smaller manufacturing company, this could be an excellent next step into a highly visible leadership position with broader responsibility and long-term career growth potential.