Assistant Plant Controller Finance & Accounting Department

Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Analysis
Assist in preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for plant operations.
Analyze manufacturing variances — material, labor, and overhead — and communicate findings to operations leadership.
Support month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of all journal entries.
Prepare financial reports and presentations for Plant Controller and senior management review.
Track key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned to throughput, scrap, rework, and labor efficiency. Cost Accounting
Maintain and update standard cost models for all processing services: coating, heat treating, patching, sort, and packaging.
Analyze cost of goods sold (COGS) and conduct root-cause analysis on cost deviations.
Support inventory valuation, cycle counting, and physical inventory reconciliation across all plant locations.
Assist in pricing analysis and job costing for customer contracts and RFQ support. Budgeting & Forecasting
Assist in the development of annual operating budgets and multi-year financial plans.
Prepare monthly rolling forecasts and variance-to-budget analyses.
Coordinate capital expenditure tracking and ROI analysis for plant equipment and process investments. Internal Controls & Compliance.
Support internal audit activities and ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures.
Assist in maintaining and strengthening internal control documentation and segregation of duties.
Ensure adherence to GAAP standards and, where applicable, international reporting requirements aligned.
Coordinate with external auditors during annual audit and interim review periods. Cross-Functional & Operational Support
Partner with plant operations, procurement, and production supervisors to identify cost reduction opportunities.
Participate in operational reviews and lean/continuous improvement initiatives from a financial lens.
Support ERP system maintenance, data integrity, and process improvement within financial systems.
Assist with financial integration activities and reporting requirements tied to the broader company. Qualifications & Requirements Education
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
CPA, CMA, or active pursuit of certification strongly preferred. Experience
3–5+ years of accounting or finance experience, with manufacturing or plant operations environment strongly preferred.
Hands-on cost accounting experience — standard costing, variance analysis, inventory management.
Experience supporting monthly close cycles and financial reporting in a multi-site or multi-entity environment.
Prior exposure to ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar) required.
Experience working within a global or parent-company reporting structure a plus. Skills & Competencies
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel — financial modeling, pivot tables, and data analysis.
Solid understanding of GAAP and cost accounting principles in a manufacturing context.
Excellent analytical skills with a disciplined attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills — ability to translate financial data for non-financial stakeholders.
Self-directed, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced plant environment.
High integrity and a commitment to accuracy, transparency, and continuous improvement. Work Environment This role operates primarily in an office environment within or adjacent to a metal finishing production facility. Occasional visits to plant floors are expected as part of cross-functional collaboration and operational review. The candidate should be comfortable working in a dynamic manufacturing setting and may be required to travel between plant locations in Michigan and Illinois. What We Offer
Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
401(k) with company match.
Paid time off and company holidays.
Professional development and career growth within the global network.
A collaborative culture with long-standing operational roots and international backing.