• Plant Controller

    Robert Half Finance & Accounting (Madison Heights, MI)


    Description

    Bill Watts at Robert Half is partnering with a leading manufacturer in the food production and agricultural sector. With a commitment to operational excellence, product quality, and continuous improvement, we are seeking an experienced and analytical Plant Controller to manage all financial activities at our Troy facility and support strategic plant-level decision-making.

    Position Summary

    The Plant Controller is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the manufacturing plant, ensuring accurate cost accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. This role will act as a strategic business partner to plant leadership, providing insights to improve efficiency, reduce cost, and support profitability.

    Key Responsibilities

    Financial Oversight

     

    + Manage all plant-level accounting operations including inventory, standard costing, and cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis

    + Prepare and analyze monthly financial statements, variance reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs)

    + Lead month-end close processes and ensure compliance with internal controls and corporate policies

     

    Cost Accounting

     

    + Maintain and improve standard costing models and processes

    + Analyze manufacturing variances (labor, overhead, material usage, scrap) and communicate findings to plant management

    + Partner with operations to monitor and control production costs, yields, and efficiencies

     

    Budgeting & Forecasting

     

    + Lead the plant’s annual budgeting process, quarterly forecasts, and long-range planning

    + Track capital expenditures and support ROI analysis for new equipment or process improvements

    + Provide financial modeling and analysis for strategic initiatives

     

    Compliance & Controls

     

    + Ensure compliance with GAAP and company financial policies

    + Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries

    + Implement and maintain strong internal controls over financial reporting, inventory, and assets

     

    Leadership & Collaboration

     

    + Act as a key member of the plant leadership team

    + Supervise plant accounting staff (if applicable) and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

    + Serve as the liaison between the plant and corporate finance team

    Requirements

    Qualifications

    + Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred

    + 8+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance or plant accounting

    + Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory control, and financial reporting in a manufacturing setting

    + Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite) and Excel

    + Solid understanding of GAAP and internal controls

    + Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills

    + Proven ability to work cross-functionally with operations and leadership teams

    Preferred Experience

    + Exposure to lean manufacturing or Six Sigma initiatives

    + Familiarity with capital projects, fixed asset management, and supply chain finance

     

    Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.

     

    Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.

     

    All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.

     

    • 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) .