Plant Controller Opportunity in Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Join Robert Half

Robert Half is proud to partner with a leading manufacturing company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to find an exceptional Plant Controller. This critical role offers hands-on financial leadership within a dynamic production environment, where you'll serve as a strategic business partner to plant management and senior executives. If you thrive in manufacturing finance, excel at cost control, and have a passion for driving operational efficiency, this Plant Controller position is your chance to make a significant impact.

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Cedar Rapids offers an unbeatable quality of life with its vibrant community, low cost of living, and proximity to major cities like Chicago and Des Moines. Our client is a well-established manufacturer committed to innovation, sustainability, and employee growth, making this an ideal setting for a seasoned finance professional seeking long-term career advancement.

About the Role

As Plant Controller, you'll oversee all financial operations for the manufacturing facility, ensuring accurate reporting, compliance, and strategic alignment with business goals. This position demands a blend of technical accounting expertise and leadership acumen, with direct reporting to plant leadership and corporate finance. You'll be instrumental in optimizing costs, enhancing profitability, and supporting data-driven decisions that propel the organization forward. With a salary range of $100,000 - $130,000, this full-time role includes comprehensive benefits and opportunities for bonuses tied to performance metrics.

Key Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will involve a mix of strategic oversight and tactical execution:

• Develop and deliver timely, insightful financial reports to senior leadership, maintaining strict compliance with GAAP and internal standards.
• Partner closely with plant managers to analyze variances, forecast budgets, and implement profitability-enhancing strategies.
• Manage IT services prioritization to support seamless plant operations and financial systems integration.
• Design and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for production efficiency, cost control, and overall plant health.
• Lead cross-functional teams in cost reduction projects, targeting labor, materials, and overhead savings.
• Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes, including journal entry reconciliation and customer credit administration.
• Maintain precise bill of materials (BOM) and standard costing systems to mirror real-world production dynamics.
• Conduct in-depth reviews of labor, material, and overhead costs, providing actionable recommendations.
• Build and refine a robust costing model that delivers real-time feedback to manufacturing teams.

These responsibilities position you at the forefront of financial excellence in manufacturing, where your expertise directly influences bottom-line results.

Required Qualifications

To succeed in this Plant Controller role, candidates should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline (Master's or MBA preferred).
• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in plant controlling, cost accounting, or manufacturing finance.
• Deep expertise in cost accounting principles, variance analysis, and standard costing methodologies.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Epicor) and advanced Microsoft Excel modeling.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing accounting teams in fast-paced environments.
• CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification highly desirable.
• Proven success in implementing cost-saving initiatives and improving financial reporting accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with non-finance stakeholders.

Robert Half specializes in placing top finance talent, and we provide full interview preparation and career coaching for all candidates.

Why Join Us?

Joining this team through Robert Half means more than just a job—it's a career-defining opportunity. Enjoy a competitive compensation package including base salary, performance bonuses, and profit-sharing. Our client offers robust benefits like comprehensive medical coverage, 401(k) with generous matching, paid parental leave, and professional development stipends. In Cedar Rapids, you'll benefit from a supportive work culture emphasizing work-life balance, with hybrid flexibility and employee resource groups.

Robert Half is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants. Apply today to elevate your finance career in manufacturing. Keywords: Plant Controller jobs Cedar Rapids IA, manufacturing finance careers, cost accountant Iowa, Robert Half finance recruitment.