Plant Controller

Position: Plant Controller
Location: Irwindale, CA
Salary Type: Exempt
Pay: 106-136k

Make a greater impact at Bonduelle Americas! Bonduelle Americas is a certified B Corp inviting people to embrace a flexitarian lifestyle with an expanding portfolio of plant-rich products available in and beyond the produce aisle. We operate four facilities and employ nearly 3,000 Associates in the US.

Bonduelle Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Groupe Bonduelle (BON.PA), an established global brand with more than 170 years of family heritage bringing the joy of plants to tables around the world. Globally, our ready-to-eat plant-rich food products are grown on 173,000 acres by our grower partners and marketed in nearly 100 countries. Our mission is to inspire the transition toward a plant-rich diet to contribute to people's well-being and planet health.

Join us at Bonduelle Americas for an opportunity to advance your career in a culture that places people first. As a valued member of our company, you will work in a mission-driven environment aimed at preserving the planet’s resources while providing healthy plant-based products to millions of consumers around the world.

Position Summary:
The Plant Controller in a food manufacturing environment is responsible for managing the financial operations of the plant, including budgeting, cost control, financial reporting, and forecasting. The role ensures the accuracy of financial data, drives operational performance, and supports decision-making for continuous improvement in the production processes. This position collaborates with plant management to optimize plant performance and profitability while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.

Financial Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Analysis:

• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the plant.
• Monitor and report on key financial performance indicators (KPIs), including cost of goods sold (COGS), labor costs, inventory levels, and overhead.
• Provide insights into variances and recommend corrective actions to the plant manager and senior leadership.
• Prepare detailed cost analyses and margin reports for product lines, departments, and manufacturing processes.

Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Lead the annual budgeting process for the plant, working closely with department heads to develop accurate financial projections.
• Provide regular forecasts and updated financial outlooks to ensure alignment with company goals and production schedules.
• Track actual performance versus budget, identifying trends and discrepancies.

Cost Control & Process Improvement:

• Monitor and analyze production costs, raw material costs, labor, utilities, and other plant-specific expenses.
• Recommend and implement cost-saving initiatives and improvements in operational efficiency.
• Assist in inventory management, ensuring proper valuation of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Partner with operations to optimize waste reduction, improve yield, and ensure inventory is correctly accounted for.

Internal Controls & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with accounting principles, company policies, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GAAP, IFRS).
• Conduct internal audits and coordinate with external auditors to ensure proper financial controls are in place.
• Oversee plant's compliance with food safety regulations and traceability
• Ensure that all plant assets are appropriately accounted for and coordinate periodic asset physical inventory.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, procurement, logistics, and HR, to support business goals.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations for strategic decisions, such as capital expenditures and plant expansions.

Capital Investment & Project Management:

• Evaluate and assist in the financial feasibility of capital investments, new product launches, or process improvements.
• Analyze return on investment (ROI) for major projects and capital expenditures.
• Prepare ad-hoc financial analysis, as requested by plant or finance leadership.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required) or five (5) years of previous Finance manager position experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in financial management, with at least 2-3 years in a manufacturing environment (food manufacturing is a plus).
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting processes.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical skills with a deep understanding of financial modeling, cost accounting, and variance analysis.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.