Controller

Description

Position Overview A growing automotive manufacturing organization in the Metro Detroit area is seeking an experienced and strategic Plant Controller to lead its financial operations. This confidential opportunity is ideal for a hands-on financial leader with strong manufacturing experience, exceptional analytical capabilities, and a proven ability to partner with executive leadership to drive operational and financial performance. The Plant Controller will oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cost management, payroll oversight, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening financial controls, improving profitability, and supporting strategic business decisions. This position offers significant visibility within the organization and the potential for future advancement into senior executive financial leadership roles, including Director of Finance, Vice President of Finance, or Chief Financial Officer (CFO), based on performance and organizational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Operations

• Provide leadership, direction, and development to the Finance Department, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
• Oversee daily accounting operations and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Manage month-end and year-end closing activities, including journal entries, accruals, balance sheet reconciliations, and intercompany transactions.
• Prepare weekly cash flow forecasts and monitor working capital requirements.
• Develop and analyze monthly financial reporting packages, including asset performance, operating expenses, and key financial indicators.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Cost Management

• Lead annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting activities in partnership with executive and operational leadership.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, operating expenses, and financial performance to identify opportunities for cost reduction and profitability improvement.
• Monitor inventory valuation, cost accounting practices, and financial performance related to automotive manufacturing operations.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support operational efficiency, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making.

Compliance, Audit & Internal Controls

• Lead internal and external financial audits and ensure timely resolution of findings.
• Maintain effective financial controls and support compliance with applicable Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements.
• Ensure financial records, reporting, and accounting practices comply with applicable regulations and company policies.
• Oversee annual physical inventory financial controls and reconciliation activities.
• Prepare required corporate financial schedules and reporting submissions within established deadlines.
• Support supplier diversity and minority-spend financial reporting requirements.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Utilize SAP ERP and other financial systems to improve reporting accuracy, process efficiency, and financial visibility.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and improve data integrity.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and executive teams to support continuous improvement initiatives.

People Leadership & Organizational Accountability

• Establish department objectives, performance expectations, and accountability measures.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coach team members, and support professional development.
• Promote a collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership approach.
• Ensure compliance with applicable workplace safety, environmental, and organizational standards.

Requirements

Required Qualifications Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, preferably within automotive or high-volume manufacturing.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or financial leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience with month-end and year-end closing, financial statement preparation, budgeting, forecasting, and audit management.
• Strong working knowledge of manufacturing cost accounting, inventory controls, and OEM-related financial processes.
• Experience developing cost containment strategies and identifying profit improvement opportunities.
• Working knowledge of GAAP, financial controls, and SOX compliance requirements.
• Experience with ERP financial systems, preferably SAP.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or MBA.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing, assembly operations, or Tier 1/Tier 2 supplier environments.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.
• Experience working directly with executive leadership on financial strategy and business planning.
• Demonstrated success implementing process improvements, strengthening financial controls, and developing finance teams.

Key Competencies

• Strong financial and business acumen
• Strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving
• Executive-level communication and presentation skills
• Manufacturing cost analysis and financial planning
• Leadership, coaching, and team development
• Sound judgment, integrity, and confidentiality
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Continuous improvement and operational excellence mindset

Career Growth Opportunity This role presents an opportunity for an accomplished financial leader to influence business strategy, strengthen financial performance, and contribute directly to organizational growth. For a high-performing individual who demonstrates strong financial leadership, operational partnership, and measurable business results, there is potential for advancement into Director of Finance.