Plant Controller

Hunt Guillot & Associates - Baton Rouge, LA

Full-time - Senior

Onsite - Baton Rouge, LA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Plant Financial Controller is a direct-hire position for a specialty manufacturing client located in the Vidalia, LA area. This role is pivotal in establishing robust finance and accounting frameworks within the organization, leveraging the Pronto ERP system to enhance operational efficiency. The Plant Financial Controller will oversee a variety of financial functions including business and commercial analysis, cost accounting, and transactional accounting, which encompasses accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll. Additionally, the position involves statutory reporting and tax compliance for a standalone legal entity, ensuring that all financial practices align with regulatory requirements and industry standards. In this role, the Plant Financial Controller will be responsible for maintaining an effective control environment that safeguards the company’s assets and ensures the integrity of financial reporting. The position requires providing strategic financial advice to various stakeholders, including senior management and external partners, while ensuring compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) requirements. A significant aspect of the role is to support the development and implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS), which is essential for maintaining high standards of operational excellence. Key duties of the Plant Financial Controller include managing all finance operations, serving as the primary finance contact for third parties and the US Department of Energy, and collaborating with the operational team on budgeting and forecasting initiatives. The role also involves recruiting, mentoring, and managing the finance team, preparing comprehensive financial statements, budget reports, and cost analyses, and ensuring the provision of accurate and timely financial information to facilitate informed decision-making. Furthermore, the Plant Financial Controller will manage month-end and year-end financial close activities, engage with external stakeholders, oversee insurance processes, and provide financial leadership to the General Manager.

Responsibilities

• Managing finance operations, including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and tax.
• Serving as the primary finance contact for third parties and the US Department of Energy.
• Collaborating with the Operational team on budgets and forecasting.
• Recruiting, mentoring, and managing the finance team.
• Preparing financial statements, budget reports, and cost analyses.
• Ensuring accurate and timely financial information for decision-making.
• Managing month-end and year-end financial close activities.
• Engaging with external stakeholders and managing insurance processes.
• Supporting the General Manager and providing financial leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred; business or finance degree will be considered.
• 10+ years in senior financial or accounting roles, preferably in the chemical or construction industries required, including 7+ years in accounting management.
• CA or CPA certification is required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, IFRS, and experience with Pronto ERP and Microsoft Excel is needed.
• Experience with Federal and Louisiana taxation, Quality Management (ISO 9001, 14001), and Big 4 firm experience is desirable.