Controller Manufacturing (High Visibility)
Controller – Manufacturing | High-Visibility Leadership Opportunity Compensation: $160K to $190K + 15% Bonus Work Model: Hybrid | East of Des Moines, IA Lead the finance function. Partner with operations. Drive plant performance. We're partnering with a large-scale manufacturing organization to identify a Controller who will serve as the senior finance leader for one of their major production facilities in Central Iowa. This is a high-visibility leadership role with direct exposure to executive leadership and the opportunity to partner closely with both plant operations and corporate finance. With new private equity ownership and significant planned investment, this is an excellent time to join a business positioned for long-term growth and expansion. This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing finance leader who enjoys operational partnership, team leadership, and driving business performance in a plant environment. What You'll Be Responsible For
- Leading all plant-level accounting and financial operations
- Owning manufacturing cost accounting, inventory controls, and financial reporting
- Driving budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis across the facility
- Partnering closely with plant leadership to improve operational and financial performance
- Supporting month-end close and ensuring accurate financial reporting
- Overseeing fixed assets, capital tracking, and internal controls
- Managing and developing a high-performing local finance team
- Serving as the key finance liaison between plant leadership and corporate finance What They're Looking For
- Strong manufacturing industry experience is required
- Proven experience in plant-level finance leadership or manufacturing controllership
- Deep understanding of cost accounting, inventory, and internal controls
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Ability to partner closely with operations and plant leadership
- Prior leadership experience with direct team management responsibilities
- Strong communication skills and executive presence
- Comfortable operating in a hands-on manufacturing environment What Will Set You Apart
- Prior Plant Controller or Manufacturing Controller experience
- Experience in large-scale or complex manufacturing environments
- Strong operational finance mindset and business partnership skills
- Experience working through ownership transition, PE-backed growth, or restructuring
- A leadership style that balances accountability, collaboration, and execution Why This Role
- Senior finance leadership role supporting a major manufacturing site
- High visibility with CFO, Regional CFO, and executive leadership
- Opportunity to help shape the business during an exciting ownership transition
- Strong long-term growth potential with new private equity investment
- Competitive compensation with bonus opportunity
- Stable onsite leadership environment with a strong existing team If you're open to learning more about a Controller opportunity with strong visibility, operational partnership, and long-term upside, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect.
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