Search jobs now Find the right job type for you Create a job alert Explore how we help job seekers Contract talent Full-Time talent Learn how we work with you Executive search Finance and Accounting Technology Marketing and Creative Legal Administrative and Customer Support Technology Risk, Audit and Compliance Finance and Accounting Digital, Marketing and Customer Experience Legal Operations Human Resources 2027 Salary Guide Demand for Skilled Talent Report Job Market Outlook Press Room Tech insights Labor market overview AI in recruiting Navigating the AI era Staffing for small businesses Cost of a bad hire Browse jobs Find your next hire Our locations

Plant Controller in Waterloo, IA

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

Looking for a plant controller or a plant controller job?

Request candidates now and a specialized recruiter will typically contact you within one business day to discuss your staffing needs and help you hire a plant controller.Search plant controller openings and apply now or submit your resume to be considered for opportunities that match your experience.
Salary for Plant Controller in Waterloo, IA

113850 - 136800

Low
113850
The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is still developing core skills.
Mid
125100
The candidate has moderate experience in the role or one similar, meets most requirements and may hold transferable skills or relevant certifications.
High
136800
The candidate has extensive experience in the role, demonstrates advanced skills and often brings specialized certifications or industry experience.
Projected salaries for related positions Job title Low Mid High Chief Financial Officer 193500 245925 293625 Corporate Controller 139050 168750 194625 Divisional Controller 112275 147375 160875 Assistant Controller 85950 112050 129825 Financial Reporting Director 117450 146700 168750 Financial Reporting Manager 101250 123525 145350 Financial Reporting Accountant 68175 78300 91125 Accounting Director 116775 151425 168975 Cost Accounting Manager 94500 104850 124200 Senior Cost Accountant 82800 88425 99000 Cost Accountant 69300 77400 87300 Accounting Manager 88425 103500 115650 Senior Accountant 73350 87075 100125 Revenue Accountant 72000 85500 97650 Staff Accountant 60300 68850 80550 Entry-Level Accountant 50175 56700 63000 Forensic Accountant 80325 100350 112725 Property Accountant 64575 73800 86625 SEC Financial Reporting Director 148725 164025 183150 SEC Financial Reporting Manager 112725 130500 150300 SEC Financial Reporting Analyst 82800 91350 106425 Regulatory Reporting Manager 96075 123300 137925 Senior Regulatory Reporting Accountant 75375 87300 98325 Regulatory Reporting Accountant 56475 66600 79425 Tax Preparer 37350 48375 54225 Accounting Specialist 41175 46350 49950

Explore more salaries

Looking to hire? Start here.

Access the skilled permanent and contract talent you need—from support roles to C-suite—with precision matching powered by Robert Half recruiters leveraging their experience combined together with our industry-leading AI technology. Hire talent

More to explore

2027 Salary Guide Explore the latest data for roles in 7 professional fields and know what you should pay or earn in local and national markets.
Demand for Skilled Talent Check out our Demand for Skilled Talent report to learn about employers’ hiring plans and needs.
Labor market overview Stay on top of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and job posting data to learn about today’s hiring market.
Pay and Compensation Highlights Dive deeper into salary and total compensation trends across a range of professional roles and industries.
What's inside the Salary Guide Learn how our salary benchmarks reflect accurate marketplace data through a rigorous, multistep verification process.
The salary benchmarks in the Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process designed to reflect projected market trends for 2027. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has placed nationwide, along with third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use for independent validation. Learn more about our methodology.