Controller I

Tyson•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 unit. The role manages the 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 Controller collaborates with plant operations on continuous improvement activities to improve total operating costs. The position directs cost accounting and financial analysis systems, ensuring accuracy in product and production costs and manufacturing variances. It oversees financial accounting and payroll systems, including payroll administration and internal controls. The Controller leads internal and external reporting and forecasting, supervises analysis of plant performance, production reporting, and inventory functions, and provides financial analysis for new product development and cost reduction. The role maintains relationships with headquarters and plant departments, including maintenance, operations, and engineering, and provides financial analysis to support plant operations. It supports LEAN and Safety initiatives as appropriate; leads the Annual Operating Plan, Long Range Plan, and other performance projections; develops and implements SOX controls; and coordinates audits to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements. The position is a first-shift role in the United States. Relocation assistance is eligible. Candidates must reside in the United States; sponsorship is not available. A resume must be attached to be considered. The successful candidate must be able to perform the job’s physical requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation. Professional team members are expected to use approved AI tools responsibly, protect sensitive information, follow company policies, and validate AI-generated outputs. People leaders are also expected to enable responsible AI adoption and ensure accountability for AI-supported outcomes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; finance or accounting is highly preferred.
Finance and/or cost accounting experience.
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, and finished-goods delivery, their interdependencies, 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 able and willing to perform the physical requirements of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must attach a resume to be considered.

Nice To Haves

Finance or accounting degree specialization.
CMA, MBA, and/or CPA.
Experience in the food industry; experience in a food manufacturing facility is preferred.
Experience in a manufacturing environment with standard cost and variance reporting.

Responsibilities

Manage cost accounting and financial analysis systems, ensuring accurate 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 reporting and analysis of plant performance, production, and inventory.
Provide financial analysis and cost estimates for new product development and cost-reduction efforts.
Maintain and develop business relationships with headquarters personnel and plant departments, including maintenance, operations, and engineering.
Provide financial analysis to support plant operations.
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 performing local accounting functions, including production accounting and payroll.
Prepare weekly forecasts of plant operating variances, establish guidelines, and lead the budgeting process.
Collaborate with plant operations on continuous improvement activities to improve total operating costs.