Plant Controller at BioUrja Renewables in Peoria, IL

Apply Job Type Full-time Description SUMMARY OF COMPANY BioUrja Renewables, LLC is a leading manufacturer of industrial-grade, beverage-grade, and fuel-grade ethanol and co-products, located in Peoria, IL. The company operates a 135 million gallon per year production plant, which is among the largest industrial alcohol facilities in the U.S., with a long history of successful operations.
We are part of the BioUrja Group, a family-owned energy and agricultural trading, supply and distribution group headquartered in Houston, Texas and having operations across the USA, as well as in the UK, UAE, India, Singapore, and Mexico. We are proud to have been listed as one of the top four largest privately held companies in the Houston metropolitan area.
JOB SUMMARY The Plant Controller position will oversee all accounting operations for our ethanol plant in Peoria IL, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting, compliance with regulatory standards, and alignment with strategic business goals. This role is responsible for leading a team of accounting professionals and working closely with plant operations, procurement, logistics, and executive leadership to provide insight and direction on financial performance and cost management. RESPONSIBILITIES Lead the day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, inventory accounting, and fixed assets. Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings and reporting. Prepare financial statements in accordance with GAAP and internal policies. Oversee cost accounting and financial analysis for ethanol production, including commodity inputs (e.g., corn, natural gas) and outputs (e.g., ethanol, DDGS, corn oil). Develop and maintain internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure operational efficiency. Partner with plant operations and senior leadership to develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs). Coordinate annual audits and serve as the primary contact for external auditors. Manage budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and regulatory requirements specific to biofuels/ethanol production. Support M&A activity, capital projects, and strategic initiatives through financial modeling and analysis. Recruit, develop, and mentor accounting team members. Assist Corporate Controller with various initiatives. Other duties as assigned. REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree in Finance/Accounting or equivalent. CPA Preferred. Minimum 7 plus years of experience preferably in Accounting or equivalent. Experience in manufacturing or processing industry; ethanol or renewable fuels experience preferred. Strong Knowledge of US GAAP, cost accounting, and inventory management. Proficiency with ERP system Strong organizational skills and ability to meet established deadlines. Attention to detail. Flexibility and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects. Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings. Advanced applications software expertise (Excel and accounting software). Team player. PHYSICAL/METAL REQUIREMENTS The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation. The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFD’s), or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done. In addition, Employees in this position must also be capable of: Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, which may be of varying heights and access parameters. Standing, stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling, squatting, climbing, crawling, or sitting for long periods of time. Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in performance of work. Climbing stairs, and/or vertical ladders of varying heights. Working in confined work areas and/or elevated heights. Lifting objects of minimum of 10lbs, with maximum single-person lift limit of 50lbs, with frequent lifting and carrying. Adapting to temperature changes, outdoor conditions, and prolonged exposure to dusty, wet, or humid conditions, loud noises, and vibration. Visually inspecting equipment and verifying information, often in small print. Driving and/or operating heavy machinery safely and be alert and aware of surroundings at all times. Applying sideways/upward/downward pressure to tighten and loosen hardware. The Company expects and requires all employees to observe and fulfill all safety responsibilities as outlined in workplace safety training, and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Regular attendance and punctuality are required of all employees. BENEFITS $115,000 - $130,000 Annually; DOE Competitive pay, paid time off and paid holidays Medical (with wellness discount), dental, vision Company-paid life insurance, long-term disability and, and short-term disability Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts 401(k) with Company match Cash Balance Retirement Plan EEO Statement BioUrja Renewables LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. BioUrja Renewables LLC participates in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program. BioUrja Renewables LLC is not currently accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at BioUrja Renewables LLC, via-email, the Internet or directly to hiring managers at BioUrja Renewables LLC in any form without a valid written agreement in place for that specific position will be deemed the sole property of BioUrja Renewables LLC. As a result, no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by BioUrja Renewables LLC.