Plant Controller

As a Plant Controller in Mt Vernon, IL, you'll oversee all aspects of financial management including reporting, budgeting, payroll, and insurance. You'll manage accounts payable and receivable processes, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and prepare financial statements. Your role will also involve conducting audits and collaborating with public accounting firms, ensuring that our financial records are in order and effectively communicating insights into budgetary performance.

To be considered for the Plant Controller role in Mt Vernon, IL, a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. Proven experience in general ledger accounting and financial report writing is essential, while familiarity with public accounting practices and corporate accounting functions is preferred. Proficiency in accounts payable management and experience using accounting software such as Job Boss will set you apart from other candidates.

Preparing for the financial responsibilities of the Plant Controller position in Mt Vernon, IL involves honing your skills in budgeting, financial reporting, and data analysis. Familiarize yourself with regulatory reporting requirements and corporate accounting functions. Additionally, becoming proficient in financial software, particularly Job Boss, will help streamline your processes. Having a strong analytical mindset will also be important as you identify trends and opportunities for cost savings.

As a Plant Controller in Mt Vernon, IL, you will primarily utilize accounting and financial software such as Job Boss and Centerpoint to manage reporting and streamline financial operations. Being proficient in these systems will enhance your efficiency in managing accounts payable and receivable, preparing financial reports, and conducting audits. Your experience with such software will be invaluable in carrying out your responsibilities effectively.

The typical work schedule for a Plant Controller in Mt Vernon, IL, will be a full-time, 8-hour shift, primarily during the day from Monday to Friday. This schedule allows for a balanced work-life ratio while providing the necessary time to manage the financial operations of the manufacturing facility effectively.

In responding to this question, focus on your previous roles that involved managing the general ledger. Provide specific examples of your responsibilities, highlighting any improvements you made to the process. Make sure to cover any relevant software you’ve used and explain how your attentiveness to detail contributed to accurate financial reporting.

Discuss your understanding of financial regulations and your experience in preparing compliance reports. Mention how you stay updated with changing regulations and how you’ve worked with audit firms on previous roles. Emphasize your attention to detail and the processes you put in place to track compliance.

Share your approach to budgeting and forecasting, including any methodologies you employ. Talk about how you analyze past performance to project future financial trends, and describe your collaborative experience with various departments to align budgeting efforts across the board, ensuring the accuracy of forecasts.

Explain your methodical approach to investigating discrepancies. Highlight the importance of thoroughness in reviewing transaction records and adjustments. Make sure to discuss your communication skills in addressing these issues with team members or departments and how you implement solutions to prevent recurrence.

When answering, provide detailed insights into your previous roles managing the accounts payable and receivable cycles. Discuss your practices to ensure timely payments and collections, including the software tools you use. Mention how you have improved processes to boost cash flow or reduce outstanding payments.

Share a specific experience where your financial analysis directly resulted in cost savings. Detail the analytical methods you used and how you communicated your findings to decision-makers. This showcases your ability to provide actionable insights as a Plant Controller.

Discuss the financial software you have experience with, emphasizing Job Boss or other relevant tools. Explain how you utilized these applications for reporting, budgeting, or other financial processes. Provide examples of efficiencies gained or challenges overcome through the use of technology.

Focus on your time management and prioritization skills when discussing this topic. Talk about how you plan your reporting processes, delegate tasks when necessary, and maintain a high standard of accuracy even under pressure. Provide an example where you met a tight deadline successfully.

Answer this by discussing key financial metrics such as gross margin, EBITDA, accounts payable turnover, and inventory accuracy. Detail how you track these KPIs and how monitoring them can provide insights and drive decision-making within the manufacturing facility.

Explain your method of integrating data analysis with organizational objectives. Talk about how you collaborate with different teams to understand their goals, and then indicate how that understanding informs your analysis and reporting to ensure that financial strategies align with broader business goals.