Assistant Plant Controller

Job Title: Assistant Plant Controller

Location: Perry, IA – Sow Harvest & Sausage Processing Facility
Reports To: Plant Controller
FLSA Status: Exempt

Our Company, Your Opportunity:

JBS Prepared Foods is a company with an 80-year history of providing high quality, great tasting sausage, sliced meats, bacon, ham, and ribs. JBS Prepared Foods (formerly Plumrose and Swift Prepared Foods) was acquired by JBS, the world’s leading provider of beef, chicken, and pork, with a vision of building the company as a leader in Protein Centric Prepared Foods.

Our Mission:

To be THE BEST in all we do. We are completely focused on our business, ensuring the BEST products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers and profitability for our shareholders. All this, we do to provide an opportunity for a better future for all our TEAM MEMBERS.

Values:

Position Summary

The Assistant Plant Controller provides critical financial support to the plant and serves as a key link between plant operations and corporate finance. This position is responsible for cost accounting, inventory tracking, budgeting, and financial analysis to help drive operational efficiency and profitability. Working under the leadership of the Plant Controller, the Assistant Plant Controller contributes to accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and effective decision-making processes for the sow harvest and sausage production operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Analysis & Cost Accounting
• Support all cost accounting activities, including tracking raw materials, WIP, finished goods, and packaging inventory.
• Monitor labor and overhead allocations to ensure accurate standard costing and variance analysis.
• Assist in setting and reviewing standard costs for all SKUs.
• Reporting & Month-End Close
• Prepare journal entries and reconciliations for month-end close processes.
• Assist in generating monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for plant and corporate review.
• Provide explanation of P&L variances related to volume, price, mix, and operational efficiency.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Support development of annual plant budgets and quarterly forecasts, including zero-based budgeting (ZBB) practices.
• Prepare financial models to project operational results and assist in tracking against approved budgets.
• Inventory & Internal Controls
• Monitor plant cycle counts and assist with full physical inventories for raw materials, finished goods, and spare parts.
• Ensure strict compliance with accounting procedures and internal control standards.
• Conduct audits of fixed assets and inventory on a periodic basis.
• Cross-Functional Support
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, quality, and procurement teams to manage financial impacts of plant activities.
• Provide financial insight into cost reduction initiatives and assist with performance tracking of savings opportunities.
• Serve as backup approver for plant purchase requisitions and validate accurate cost center/GL coding.
• Other Duties
• Offer guidance to clerical staff on accounting procedures, assist in training and process improvements.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects for financial process efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Controller or Plant Management.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing or food processing environment.
• Knowledge of cost accounting, budgeting, internal controls, and GAAP principles.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite; SAP or ERP experience strongly preferred.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities for working cross-functionally.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Occasional exposure to production environments may include hot, cold, wet, and humid conditions.
• Office-based with frequent plant floor visits for inventory and audit verification.
• Noise levels moderate to high in production areas.
• Must be able to perform essential functions of the role with or without reasonable accommodation.

Why Join JBS USA?

As the world’s largest protein company, JBS USA provides a dynamic, people-focused environment where you can make a real impact. We offer:

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits

Opportunities for career advancement within a global organization

A collaborative and innovative culture committed to safety, inclusion, and continuous improvement

Interested candidates can apply at jbssa.com/careers. We offer a full range of benefits including health care, life insurance, and 401 (K) plan.

JBS Prepared Foods USA is an equal opportunity employer.

EOE/Vet/Disabled