Controller

The Controller at the Manufacturing Campus in Montgomery is responsible for a comprehensive range of financial tasks, including ownership of plant P&L and inventory management. Key responsibilities include coordinating month-end close procedures, collaborating with plant management to ensure performance against financial targets, and conducting ad-hoc analyses. This role serves as a financial leader guiding business strategies while ensuring compliance with company policies and financial regulations.

For the Controller position at our Montgomery site, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, along with 5-10+ years of experience in accounting and finance, particularly in a manufacturing setting. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in Excel, and knowledge of GAAP are essential. Public accounting experience and CPA or CMA certification will be advantageous in this senior role.

The Controller influences financial success through ownership and management of the plant's P&L, developing insightful financial strategies, and monitoring performance metrics. By partnering with plant management to identify areas for improvement and ensure effective budget management, the Controller directly impacts operational efficiency and profitability at the Montgomery facility.

In the month-end close process, the Controller in Montgomery coordinates and manages the accurate recording of revenues, manufacturing costs, and operating expenses. This ensures that financial records reflect the true financial status of the plant, facilitating informed decision-making and performance evaluations against set budgets and forecasts.

Essential skills for a successful Controller in a manufacturing environment include strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, excellent organizational and communication skills, and a solid understanding of GAAP. Additionally, proficiency in using large-scale ERP systems and advanced Excel skills are crucial for effective financial management.

Prepare to discuss specific roles where you've managed plant finances, detailing the size of the operation and the financial strategies you employed. Highlight your ability to manage P&L and your experience with budgeting and forecasting to give insight into your expertise.

Provide examples of ERP systems you've worked with, like Infor Syteline, and explain how you used them to track financial data, streamline processes, or enhance decision-making. It’s key to articulate the impacts these systems had on efficiency and accuracy in reporting.

Discuss your strategy for managing the month-end close, emphasizing timely completion, attention to detail, and communication with other departments. You could mention specific tools or checklists that ensure nothing is missed, underscoring your organized approach.

Share a specific example where you discovered a discrepancy, your analysis process, the steps you took to resolve it, and how you communicated with the relevant stakeholders. This demonstrates your analytical skills and integrity.

Explain the methods you employ for forecasting and budgeting, such as historical data analysis or market trend assessments. Providing concrete examples of past budgets you've managed can demonstrate your expertise in this area.

Discuss your approach to collaboration, focusing on how you build relationships with plant management, foster communication, and identify performance metrics. Emphasize your focus on continuous improvement and mutual understanding.

Describe specific strategies you've successfully implemented for cost reductions while ensuring quality. Highlight areas such as operational efficiency or supply chain optimization to show your ability to think strategically.

Talk about the processes you follow to ensure compliance, such as conducting regular audits, developing robust financial controls, and ongoing training for the team about financial best practices.

Articulate the importance of the Controller in strategic planning as not just a financial resource, but as a trusted advisor who provides insights on financial health, forecasts trends, and contributes to overall business strategies.

Share a specific initiative where you led a continuous improvement project, focusing on your role, strategies used, and the measurable impacts made in terms of cost savings or operational efficiency.