Plant ControllerLocation: Latrobe, PA or Bedford, PAThe Plant Controller provides strategic financial leadership and stewardship to the Plant Management team. This role partners across all areas of the business, serving as a trusted advisor to Business Unit Leaders and supporting the effective delivery of operational and financial objectives. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the Plant Controller is responsible for developing accurate financial forecasts, enabling data-driven decision-making, and collaborating on business proposals and special projects.
The role plays a critical part in aligning financial insights with operational strategies.Key responsibilities include performing financial reporting and analysis related to profit planning, cost management, and capital expenditures.
The role also focuses on delivering clear, actionable financial insights through structured reporting views, while identifying key profitability drivers and trends. Based on financial analysis and a deep understanding of the business, the Plant Controller provides recommendations that support improved financial performance and informed strategic decisions.Business Partnering & Leadership Support:Serves as a visible leader supporting business-critical functions across the organizationEffectively communicates financial results and insights to both financial and non-financial stakeholders, fostering strong cross-functional collaborationActs as a facilitator on strategic and tactical initiatives to support achievement of business objectivesProvides both support and constructive challenge to ensure business decisions align with strategy and optimize, protect, and grow company assetsDrives improvements in operational performance and efficiencyDelivers meaningful, actionable insights and recommendations based on historical performance and forward-looking financial analysisBuilds and maintains strong business partner relationships across functions and regionsResponds to stakeholder and customer needs in a timely and effective mannerShares expertise to enhance stakeholders' understanding of financial management processes and best practicesSupports the delivery of financial, operational, and strategic insights throughout the organizationPromotes an open and collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous process improvementActs as a catalyst in advancing key initiatives critical to executing business strategyOperating Budget, Performance Management & Variance Reporting:Provide analytical support for developing base budget assumptions, including volume, revenue, and expense inflation, while incorporating cost-saving initiatives and new program investmentsPartner with Business Unit leadership to identify, understand, and manage key volume drivers, risks, and variancesActively participate in the month-end financial close processSupport Shared Services and Corporate Accounting in the preparation and validation of accrual estimatesPrepare detailed analysis of operational and financial performance, including trend and root cause analysis of key metricsClearly communicate findings and insights to Business Leaders, enabling informed decision-makingEngage with leadership to develop, implement, and monitor corrective action plansSupport labor and non-labor benchmarking analysis to drive efficiencyPartner with Business Leaders on cost management and performance improvement initiativesParticipate in cross-functional and client-based meetings to strengthen business understanding and alignmentCompliance, Performance Improvement & Learning:Guide Business Leaders in understanding and applying financial policies, procedures, and controls to ensure compliance with corporate standards and GAAPSupport and contribute to performance improvement initiatives that enhance operational and financial resultsProvide financial education and training to stakeholders across the organization, strengthening overall financial acumen and management capabilitiesEducation, Work Experience, Skills, Certificates:Bachelor's degree in a related field required; Finance or Accounting strongly preferredMBA with a concentration in Finance preferred5–8 years of relevant finance experience, including strong expertise in financial statement analysis and corporate finance principlesExceptional attention to detail with a strong commitment to quality, customer service, and timely executionProven ability to collaborate with and influence business leaders outside of Finance/Accounting, including presenting to senior leadershipStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement effective solutionsDemonstrated strategic thinking, leadership, and influencing capabilitiesHigh-energy, self-motivated individual with a proactive mindsetAbility to build and maintain strong business partner relationships and communicate effectively across teamsSkilled in leading and facilitating cross-functional meetingsSelf-starter with the ability to perform in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environmentStrong proficiency in computer systems and financial toolsKennametal Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.