Plant Controller at The Stow Company in Holland, MI

Plant Controller

Primary Purpose of Position:

To be a key leader in the organization, partnering with multiple cross-function operations support team members both at the corporate and the plant utilizing their cost accounting expertise specific to manufacturing. The ideal candidate is data driven and has the ability to not only analyze information, but effectively communicate their findings to others, while proactively highlighting areas of improvement. This role will also maintain our standard costing system as well as drive necessary changes as the business and systems evolve and is responsible for timely and accurate month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing process for our Holland location.

• Work closely with the Senior Finance Manager and the VP of Operations to drive positive change in operations.
• Works closely with operations and respective support teams to ensure accurate and timely capture of all production costs and effective analysis of production KPI variances.
• Compile and communicate with Operations team weekly labor efficiency and variance.
• Works closely with engineering to develop and maintain BOMS and routings and performs cost rolls.
• Evaluate the cost v. benefit of new capital projects and other make v. buy opportunities.
• Analyze gross margin detail by customer by part and highlight areas of opportunity.
• Recommend and implement programs to improve productivity, increase efficiency, and reduce cost.
• Develop, monitor, and analyze the manufacturing overhead allocation and burden rates to ensure accuracy.
• Support the product team including, but not limited to, full cost analysis/ROI for new product initiatives.
• Review the cycle count process, root cause analysis of variances, and trend reporting. Lead annual cycle count audits.
• Analyze COG expenses, ie scrap, inventory adjustments, cost changes, and yield.
• Continuous improvement of the ERP system and/or other software integrations as needed.
• Perform month end closing. Including balance sheet reconciliations, monthly journal entries and variance analysis.
• Analyze E&O reserve quarterly.
• Assis with budget process: labor, COGS, inventory standards changes.
• Participate in annual financial audit.
• Ensure GAAP is incorporated into the management of the business.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls are in place.
• Lives Company values daily
• Poses no direct threat to the health or safety of themselves, of others, or to property. Defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.
• Requires regular attendance to perform essential elements as contained herein between the assigned start and end times for work.
• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the Company, and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge, and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
• 5+ years’ experience in manufacturing
• SAP ERP experience preferred

Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:

• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have strong technical and analytical skills with solid cost accounting background.
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections with strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to make solid, objective, ethical decisions
• Continuous improvement mindset with focus on elimination of non-value-add activities
• Able to maintain strict confidence in financial sensitive information and demonstrate a high level of integrity.
• Interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with individuals both internally and externally to The Stow Company
• Must have excellent customer service skills, including strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must have the ability to interface with all levels of personnel in an office and a manufacturing environment
• Ability to take the initiative and work well independently with little supervision, and as part of a team

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Sitting at workstation approximately 80% percent of work time
• Standing and walking approximately 20% percent of work time
• Must be able to travel between plant and office locations
• Ability to work overtime or occasionally on weekends with short notice
• Typical office environment with shelves overhead and above work surfaces
• Manufacturing environment with multiple machinery and moving parts