Controller - Manufacturing / Plant Job at Robert Half in Chicago

Description Controller - Plant Operations Location: near northern suburbs of Chicago Industry: Manufacturing / Plant Operations Excellent client seeking candidates for a Controller role supporting manufacturing / plant operations. This position plays a critical role in overseeing plant financials, driving operational efficiency, and partnering with both plant management and executive leadership. You will lead all aspects of accounting, financial reporting, inventory control, and compliance to ensure accurate and timely financial performance tracking at the plant level. Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and management reports, including detailed variance and trend analyses.
• Manage the month-end close process, journal entries, and account reconciliations to ensure financial accuracy and timeliness.
• Supervise and develop a small accounting team responsible for billing, collections, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll processing.
• Monitor and improve internal controls, accounting policies, and plant financial procedures to ensure SOX and regulatory compliance.
• Support plant operations by managing and analyzing standard cost updates, inventory valuation, and production costing.
• Coordinate physical inventory counts and cycle counts; analyze and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Maintain and adjust product routings, bills of material, and standard cost structures in alignment with customer pricing and material fluctuations.
• Oversee the fixed asset management process including capitalization, depreciation, and reporting.
• Provide financial insight and recommendations to plant and executive leadership to drive strategic decision-making.
• Support cross-functional projects and provide ad hoc reporting as needed.
• Become a subject matter expert in the plant's ERP system, with a focus on manufacturing and cost accounting functionality.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience in a manufacturing or plant environment.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory management, and cost accounting principles.
• Prior experience managing small teams and collaborating cross-functionally.
• Proficiency in ERP systems; experience with manufacturing-specific systems preferred.
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on plant environment.

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on plant operations by driving financial clarity, improving processes, and serving as a key partner to both finance and production leadership. Benefits include insurance, vacation pay, holiday pay and more Requirements Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Month end close, financial statements, cost, inventory and more related to full accounting / financial operations. Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization. Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Detail-oriented and self-motivated with a focus on accuracy. Experience in a Lean or continuous improvement environment is highly desirable. Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app ( and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use ( .