Controller I

Tyson Prepared 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 role manages plant accounting staff who perform local accounting functions, including production accounting and payroll. It also oversees weekly forecasting of plant operating variances, establishes policies and guidelines, and leads the budgeting process. The Controller collaborates with plant operations on continuous improvement activities aimed at improving total operating costs. The position directs cost accounting and financial analysis systems; oversees financial accounting, payroll, reporting, forecasting, production reporting, and inventory functions; and provides financial analysis for plant performance, new products, and cost reduction. It leads preparation of the Annual Operating Plan, Long Range Plan, and other performance projections; implements SOX controls; and coordinates audits to support compliance with state and federal requirements. The role also works with headquarters, maintenance, operations, and engineering, and supports LEAN and Safety initiatives as appropriate. The successful candidate must reside in the United States. Sponsorship is not available. The candidate must be willing and able to meet the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; finance or accounting is highly preferred.
Finance and/or cost accounting experience; food-industry experience is preferred.
At least 4 years of supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment, with 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, finished-goods delivery, the interdependencies of these activities, and their impact on profitability.
Knowledge of cost accounting practices and theories.
Strong team 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.

Nice To Haves

Finance or accounting degree focus.
CMA, MBA, and/or CPA.
Experience in the food industry, preferably in a food manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

Direct activities for maintaining cost accounting and financial analysis systems, ensuring accuracy of product costs, production costs, and manufacturing variances.
Oversee financial accounting and payroll systems, including payroll administration and internal controls.
Direct internal and external financial reporting and forecasting; supervise plant performance analysis, production reporting, and inventory functions.
Provide financial analysis and cost estimates to support new product development and cost reduction efforts.
Maintain and develop working relationships with headquarters personnel and plant maintenance, operations, and engineering departments.
Provide thorough financial analysis in support of plant operations and support LEAN and Safety initiatives as appropriate.
Lead preparation of the Annual Operating Plan, Long Range Plan, 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 and local accounting functions, including production accounting and payroll.
Prepare weekly forecasts of plant operating variances, establish policies and guidelines, and lead the budgeting process.
Collaborate with plant operations on continuous improvement activities to improve total operating costs.