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RH
Robert Half
Plant Controller
Career Insights for Controller (General)
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Based on Pennsylvania data
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What they do
A Controller directs and oversees the treasury of a government, private corporation or non-profit organization, and may oversee the investment of funds. Supervises the quality of accounting and financial reporting within an organization, and directs preparation of reports that show the financial position of an organization.
$159,071 / year median in Pennsylvania
+3% projected growth
Job Description
We are looking for an experienced Plant Controller to provide financial leadership across manufacturing operations in Cheswick, Pennsylvania. This position works closely with plant and operations leaders to strengthen performance, improve cost visibility, and support sound business decisions. The role combines hands-on accounting oversight with strategic analysis to help drive efficiency, profitability, and long-term operational success.
Responsibilities:
- Lead financial management activities for multiple manufacturing sites within the assigned region, serving as a trusted advisor to plant leadership.
- Oversee month-end close tasks, including journal entries, accruals, balance sheet reconciliations, and inventory valuation review.
- Build weekly financial outlooks and coordinate the annual budgeting process with local plant management teams.
- Develop reporting tools that give leaders timely insight into operating expenses, labor trends, material usage, and plant performance.
- Collaborate with Plant Managers to identify and act on opportunities to improve productivity, yield, cost control, and overall manufacturing results.
- Evaluate accounting controls and strengthen processes to protect company assets and support compliance across plant operations.
- Review and reconcile key plant accounts such as maintenance-related accruals, transportation reserves, and inventory balances for parts and supplies.
- Direct monthly physical inventory activities, including cut-off procedures, count coordination, and training for employees involved in inventory control.
- Prepare variance analysis comparing actual results to budget for operating costs, labor, and raw materials, and communicate findings to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
- Support capital project analysis by preparing business cases, including return estimates and cash flow projections, while tracking projects through completion and traveling periodically to regional facilities as needed.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
- At least 7 years of progressive accounting or finance experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in manufacturing cost accounting, including standard costing and product cost analysis.
- Demonstrated experience with forecasting, budgeting, month-end close, and financial performance reporting.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and solid working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint.
- Experience using enterprise resource planning systems, preferably JD Edwards or a similar large-scale platform.
- Well-developed analytical skills with the ability to translate financial data into actionable operational insights.
- Accounting or finance certification, or progress toward certification, is preferred but not required.