New

Plant Controller

Vaco
$100,000.00 - $115,000.00 / yr
401(k), retirement plan
United States, South Carolina, Lancaster
Feb 24, 2026
Job Summary The Plant Controller is the senior financial representative at the on-site facility, responsible for leading all on-site accounting, reporting, and cost control activities. This position ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial information, enabling informed operational decisions, regulatory compliance, and strong internal controls. Working closely with the General Manager, Operations leadership, and Corporate Finance, the Plant Controller drives financial visibility and supports overall plant performance. Key Responsibilities Financial Oversight & Reporting Direct all plant accounting operations, including general ledger management, accounts payable and receivable, payroll oversight, and month-end close processes. Prepare and deliver accurate monthly financial statements, performance reports, and variance analyses to Corporate Finance. Ensure compliance with corporate accounting policies, GAAP requirements, and established internal controls. Maintain detailed balance sheet reconciliations and oversee fixed asset accounting, including depreciation schedules. Cost Accounting & Inventory Management Oversee standard cost systems, including bills of materials, labor and overhead rates, and cost roll-ups. Analyze and monitor manufacturing cost drivers such as production efficiency, scrap, yield, and labor utilization. Lead and coordinate quarterly and annual physical inventory counts, ensuring accurate valuation and transactional integrity. Collaborate with operations teams to identify cost-saving initiatives and assess the financial impact of operational improvements. Budgeting & Forecasting Lead development of the annual plant budget in partnership with divisional leadership and Corporate Finance. Prepare monthly forecasts, financial models, and risk/opportunity assessments to support business strategy. Monitor performance against budget and proactively communicate financial trends and variances. Compliance & Internal Controls Maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accurate reporting. Ensure adherence to corporate policies, audit standards, and applicable state and federal regulations. Support internal and external audit activities and implement corrective actions as required. Operational & Strategic Partnership Act as a trusted financial advisor to the General Manager and department leaders by translating financial data into actionable business insights. Provide analysis related to pricing strategy, margin improvement, capital expenditures, labor planning, and equipment investments. Participate in production meetings, cost reviews, and cross-functional initiatives to align financial and operational goals. Leadership & Collaboration Supervise and mentor plant-based accounting staff or shared administrative personnel supporting financial functions, as applicable. Coordinate with corporate accounting teams to ensure alignment in reporting processes and financial standards. Serve as the primary liaison between plant operations and Corporate Finance to promote accountability and transparency. Required Skills & Competencies Required Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities. Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Effective communicator with the ability to engage stakeholders at all organizational levels. Ability to manage both transactional accounting duties and strategic financial analysis. High level of integrity, discretion, and professional judgment. In-depth knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, and GAAP principles. Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Self-motivated and capable of working independently within a plant environment while adhering to corporate standards. Preferred Experience within precision machining or metal manufacturing environments. Prior experience in roles such as Plant Controller, Assistant Controller, or Cost Accounting Manager. Supervisory Responsibility Lead and develop on-site accounting personnel or administrative staff supporting financial operations, as applicable. Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline required. CPA or CMA certification preferred. Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, with preference for manufacturing industry exposure. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Office-based role situated within an active manufacturing facility. Frequent use of computer, phone, and standard office equipment. Regular movement throughout production areas for process observation, inventory verification, and audit support. Occasional lifting of items up to 15 pounds (e.g., documents, samples, or equipment manuals). Ability to safely navigate production environments, including around machinery and material-handling equipment. Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated plant areas. Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.