Controller I

Tyson Foods•Waterloo, IA

About The Position

The Controller I is responsible for financial planning, analysis, and reporting for a plant-manufacturing unit in Tyson Foods’ Prepared Foods business. The position manages plant accounting staff responsible for local accounting functions, including production accounting and payroll. It also prepares weekly forecasts of plant operating variances, sets policies and guidelines, and leads the budgeting process. The role works closely with plant operations on continuous-improvement activities intended to improve total operating costs. The Controller directs cost accounting and financial analysis systems; oversees financial reporting, forecasting, payroll, and internal controls; and provides financial analysis to support plant performance, new product development, and cost reduction. The position leads annual and long-range planning, develops SOX controls, and coordinates audits to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. The successful candidate must reside in the United States; sponsorship is unavailable. Relocation assistance is eligible. The role is on first shift.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; finance or accounting is highly preferred.
Finance and/or cost accounting experience; preferably in the food industry.
At least 4 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment.
Understanding of standard cost and variance reporting.
Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Advanced PC skills, including SAP, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
Knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, fixed assets, general ledger accounting, payroll, and SOX.
Understanding of procurement, production, and finished-goods delivery dynamics, how these activities interrelate, and how they affect profitability.
Knowledge of cost accounting practices and theories.
Strong leadership and critical-thinking skills.
Must reside in the United States; sponsorship is not available.
Must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must attach a resume to be considered.
Professional team members are expected to use approved AI tools responsibly, safeguard sensitive information, follow company policies, and validate AI-generated outputs. People leaders are also expected to drive responsible AI adoption, identify opportunities to improve team performance, and ensure accountability for AI-supported outcomes.

Nice To Haves

CMA, MBA, and/or CPA.
Experience in a food manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

Direct activities for maintaining cost accounting and financial analysis systems.
Ensure accuracy in product costs, production costs, and manufacturing variances.
Oversee formal and informal financial accounting and payroll systems, including payroll administration and internal controls.
Provide direction for internal and external financial reporting and forecasting.
Supervise reporting and analysis of plant performance, production reporting, and inventory functions.
Support new product development and cost reduction efforts through financial analysis and cost estimates.
Maintain and develop business relationships with headquarters personnel and the maintenance, operations, and engineering departments.
Provide thorough financial analysis to support plant operations.
Support LEAN and Safety initiatives as appropriate.
Lead preparation of the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), Long Range Plan (LRP), and other performance projections.
Develop and implement key controls for SOX compliance.
Coordinate audits of company accounts and financial transactions to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
Manage plant accounting staff performing local accounting functions, including production accounting and payroll.
Prepare weekly forecasts of plant operating variances, set policies and guidelines, and lead the budgeting process.
Collaborate with plant operations on continuous-improvement activities to improve total cost of operations.