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Plant Controller

Plant Controller Job Description

Plant controllers should have strong analytical skills, expertise in accounting systems and a focus on operational finance. Typically requiring at least eight years of experience in accounting or finance, this role is especially suited for those who have spent some of those years in a manufacturing environment. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required, with additional credentials such as a CPA, CMA or MBA being highly valued. The role calls for strong leadership qualities, superior communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced setting.

Typical plant controller duties:

Overseeing financial operations at the plant level, including budgeting, forecasting, and reportingCollaborating with plant management to analyze and optimize manufacturing processes, identify cost-reduction opportunities, and enhance profitabilityManaging the preparation and dissemination of plant-level financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAPConducting comprehensive analysis of production costs, material consumption, and inventory levelsFacilitating and supporting internal and external auditsEnsuring compliance with applicable state and federal regulations as well as adherence to corporate policiesAssessing risks associated with plant operations and implementing appropriate risk-mitigation strategiesLeading and training an accounting and finance team at the plant

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Salary for Plant Controller
111000 - 136000
Low
111000
The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills.
Mid
125000
The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications.
High
136000
The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialized certifications.
Projected salaries for related positions Job title Low Mid High Chief Financial Officer 195500 269750 321750 Corporate Controller 152000 185000 213250 Divisional Controller 118750 161750 176250 Assistant Controller 94000 122500 142000 Director of Financial Reporting 129000 160750 184750 Senior Financial Reporting Accountant 90750 100750 111750 Financial Reporting Manager 111250 135500 159250 Financial Reporting Accountant 74250 85250 99250 Director of Accounting 126500 165000 183250 Cost Accounting Manager 98250 114750 127750 Senior Cost Accountant 83500 96250 106500 Cost Accountant 71750 79000 93000 Accounting Manager 96750 113000 127500 Senior Accountant 80000 94750 109000 Staff Accountant 61000 73750 87750 Entry-Level Staff Accountant 54750 62000 69000 Senior Accountant – Financial Services 85000 102750 114250 Accountant – Financial Services 72500 89250 103250 Entry-Level Accountant – Financial Services 61000 75000 87250 Forensic Accountant 86750 109750 123750 Property Accountant 70250 80500 94250 Procurement Manager 84000 114750 129250 Procurement Specialist 47750 61000 74500 Accounting Specialist 45000 50500 54750

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Our starting salary projections come from a rigorous, multistep process so that our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary levels. Starting compensation—pay for someone new to a role—can vary significantly based on a candidate’s skills, experience and certifications, as well as other factors including industry, company size and revenue, and demand for the role. To reflect this variability, we report our salary data in three levels: low, mid and high.