Position Summary

The Plant Accounting Manager is responsible for leading all accounting and financial activities for the manufacturing plant, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, cost management, and compliance with company policies and accounting standards. This role partners closely with plant leadership and corporate finance to provide financial insights that support operational performance, drive continuous improvement, and achieve business objectives.

Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Lead all plant accounting functions, including month-end close, account reconciliations, journal entries, and financial reporting. Prepare, analyze, and communicate monthly financial results, forecasts, budgets, and annual operating plans. Partner with plant leadership to provide financial analysis and recommendations that support operational and strategic decision-making.

Cost Accounting & Financial Analysis

Monitor inventory valuation, standard costs, inventory transactions, and physical inventory processes. Analyze manufacturing costs and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency. Analyze manufacturing variances, including labor, material, overhead, and production volume performance, and communicate key drivers to plant leadership. Prepare and distribute financial and operational KPI reporting for plant leadership.

Internal Controls & Compliance

Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and financial reporting requirements. Maintain and monitor internal controls, including SOX compliance, control certifications, and remediation of audit findings. Coordinate and support internal, external, and regulatory audits.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead and develop the plant accounting team through performance management, coaching, training, and workforce planning. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Business Partnership & Continuous Improvement

Collaborate with operations, supply chain, engineering, and corporate finance to support business initiatives and continuous improvement efforts. Participate in and support Layered Process Audits (LPAs) to promote operational excellence and compliance with established processes. Support plant-wide initiatives and cross-functional projects that contribute to safety, quality, operational excellence, and business objectives, including responsibilities that may extend beyond traditional finance functions. Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.

Experience

5–8 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including manufacturing or plant accounting. Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred. Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. Experience with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel. Working knowledge of internal controls, SOX compliance, and GAAP. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across all levels of the organization.

Skills & Competencies

Financial planning, reporting, and analysis

Manufacturing and cost accounting Budgeting and forecasting Internal controls and compliance Variance analysis and KPI reporting Team leadership and employee development Audit coordination ERP systems and advanced Excel skills Cross-functional collaboration Continuous improvement mindset

Scope Of Duties And Responsibilities

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by supervisors or management.