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Plant Controller

Standard Iron

Hartford, Wisconsin

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Accounting, Accounting Close, Accounting Policies, Analysis Skills, Bid Analysis, Budgeting, Business Administration, Business Intelligence Software, Business Skills, Business Strategy, Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corporate Finance, Corporate Policies, Cost Accounting, Cross-Functional, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Embedded Systems, External Audit, Finance, Financial Analysis, Financial Control, Financial Modeling, Financial Operations, Financial Planning, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), Financial Policies, Financial Reporting, Financial Statements, Forecasting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Gross Margin, Internal Audit, Inventory Management, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Cost, Operational Improvement, Operational Strategy, Operational Support, Operations Planning, Performance Metrics, Performance Modeling, Power BI, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Pricing, Process Improvement, Procurement Planning, Productivity Management, Profit & Loss, Return on Investment (ROI), Revenue/Sales Reporting, Risk Analysis, Scalable System Development, Standard Costing, Supply Chain, Talent Management, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Technical Accounting, Variance Analysis, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Hartford, Wisconsin
POSTED
2 days ago
Position Summary
The Plant Controller is a senior finance leadership role responsible for all financial and accounting activities for Standard Iron’s largest manufacturing location, representing approximately 40% of total revenue. Reporting directly to the CFO, this position serves as the lead finance business partner to the site’s operational leadership during this period of growth and will manage a small team.
The Plant Controller will lead the division’s financial planning, reporting, cost accounting, and operational finance functions, while ensuring alignment with company finance policies and overall business objectives. The Plant Controller plays a critical role in driving financial discipline, strengthening cost visibility, and building scalable processes to support continued growth at the site.
Deeply embedded with location leadership, this role blends strong technical accounting with hands-on operational finance leadership and operational insight, helping scale processes, improve visibility, and drive profitable growth. The Controller will play a critical role in enhancing cost discipline and building a high-performing finance function aligned with the company’s growth trajectory.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Business Partnership
  • Serve as the primary finance leader for the plant, partnering with the Plant Manager and leadership team
  • Provide financial insights, analysis, and recommendations to drive profitability and operational efficiency
  • Translate financial data into actionable strategies to improve margins, pricing, and cost structure
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
  • With the CFO, lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes
  • Develop and maintain robust financial models and performance metrics (KPIs)
  • Analyze variances and provide clear explanations with actionable recommendations
  • Monitor revenue, gross margin, labor efficiency, and overhead absorption
Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance
  • Oversee standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation processes
  • Drive continuous improvement in cost accounting processes and systems
  • Partner with operations to improve labor productivity, material usage, and scrap reduction
Accounting & Controls
  • Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial statements
  • Oversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes for the plant
  • Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with company policies and audit requirements
  • Coordinate with internal and external auditors
Operational & Strategic Support
  • Evaluate capital expenditure proposals and ROI analysis
  • Identify risks and opportunities impacting financial performance
  • Participate in cross-functional initiatives, including supply chain, procurement, and operations planning
Leadership & Talent Development
  • Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture within the plant
  • Drive accountability and continuous development within the team
Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required)
  • CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred
  • 8 –10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience
  • 3 – 5+ years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment
  • Strong experience in cost accounting and operational finance required
  • Experience in a mid-sized or multi-division manufacturing organization preferred
Technical Skills
  • Deep knowledge of GAAP and manufacturing accounting principles
  • Expertise in standard costing, inventory management, and variance analysis
  • Strong financial modeling and analytical skills
  • Experience with ERP systems; advanced Excel skills
  • Familiarity with BI tools (e.g., Power BI) is a plus
Leadership & Competencies
  • Strong business acumen and strategic thinking ability
  • Proven ability to influence cross-functional leaders and drive change
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Hands-on, proactive, and results-oriented mindset
  • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment

About the Company

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Standard Iron