Divisional/Plant Controller

We are looking for an experienced Divisional/Plant Controller to provide financial leadership for a manufacturing operation northeast of Lansing, Michigan. This Long-term Contract position will oversee plant-level financial performance, guide planning activities, and translate operational results into clear business insights for leadership. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing accounting expertise, a solid command of standard costing, and the ability to partner closely with operations to maintain accurate costs, forecasts, and profitability expectations.

Responsibilities:

• Direct the full profit and loss performance for the plant or division, ensuring financial results are accurate, timely, and aligned with business objectives.

• Lead budgeting and forecasting activities by evaluating production trends, cost drivers, and operational assumptions to support reliable financial plans.

• Prepare recurring financial reports and deliver meaningful variance analysis that explains performance against budget, forecast, and prior periods.

• Manage manufacturing cost accounting processes, including standard cost development, cost updates, and ongoing review of inventory and production-related transactions.

• Partner with operations leaders to interpret financial results, identify cost improvement opportunities, and help keep spending and projections on track.

• Oversee analysis related to absorption, efficiencies, and other plant performance metrics to support informed decision-making.

• Supervise and develop finance staff, setting priorities and ensuring high-quality execution across accounting and reporting activities.

• Maintain strong financial controls and support continuous improvement in reporting accuracy, cost visibility, and business performance monitoring.

• Demonstrated experience in a Plant Controller, Divisional Controller, or similar senior finance role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing cost accounting principles, including standard costing, inventory accounting, and cost analysis.
• Proven ability to manage profit and loss performance, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting responsibilities.
• Experience delivering detailed variance analysis and communicating financial results to operational and executive stakeholders.
• Background supervising accounting or finance team members in a fast-paced business setting.
• Solid understanding of absorption, production efficiencies, and related manufacturing performance measurements.
• Proficiency in partnering with operations to explain financial outcomes and support sound cost and forecast management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is typically required.