Controller II

California Dairies, Inc. • Bakersfield, CA

97d

About The Position

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world. Our state-of-the-art Extended Shelf Life (ESL) and Aseptic Ultra High Temperature (UHT) dairy bottling facility, Valley Natural Beverages, produces premium beverages in various formats, and these shelf-stable products are shipped globally. We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California! The Plant Controller II is the lead financial position at a production facility for California Dairies, Inc. This position is responsible for all the accounting activities at the plant. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, timely and accurate recording of daily production of all finished goods product lines, ensuring accurate inventories of finished goods, recording of daily receipts of milk and other fluid dairy products, recording of daily sales and transfers of all fluid dairy products, and KPI reporting. Additional responsibilities will include annual budgeting, production forecasting, bills of materials analysis, financial variance analysis, and cost accounting. The Plant Controller II reports to the Group Controller – Operations and has direct supervisory responsibility for a staff at the facility.

Requirements

• Excellent data analysis skills with a focus on problem solving.
• Strong computer skills, specifically in Excel and Microsoft Dynamics365.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to delegate effectively.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and work with employees at all levels of the organization as well as our member/owners and external stakeholders.
• Perform tasks with a high level of confidentiality.
• Flexible and positive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
• Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business with an emphasis in Accounting or Finance.
• 5 – 7 years of manufacturing accounting experience (Dairy Industry preferred).
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Previous experience in standard cost development preferred.
• Previous experience in sales pricing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate extensive expertise in managing the general ledger, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of financial data.
• Lead timely preparation, analysis, and posting of journal entries, ensuring alignment with accounting standards and corporate policies.
• Lead comprehensive account reconciliations and execute all aspects of the month-end and year-end closing processes with precision and adherence to accounting standards.
• Provide proficient leadership in product costing, developing, maintaining, and rigorously analyzing standard costs across all product lines.
• Conduct thorough evaluations of bills of materials (BOMs), validating the accuracy of ingredient and packaging formulas to ensure full alignment with operational efficiencies and production standards.
• Identify/lead continuous improvement initiatives and drive enhanced transparency in cost accounting processes to support margin optimization.
• Analyze any changes in goods or services provided to determine what effect it has on the cost.
• Analyze manufacturing costs and prepare regular reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs.
• Collaborate closely with the Group Controller to develop the annual budget and prepare detailed, data-informed financial forecasts.
• Deliver actionable financial planning insights to support operational strategy and long-term growth initiatives.
• Stay current with market trends that could impact costs and budgets.
• Ensure plant-level financial plans are aligned with corporate objectives and performance metrics.
• Lead the preparation and presentation of comprehensive weekly and monthly performance reports and provide deep insights into plant operations.
• Drive detailed reporting on yield performance, labor, maintenance spend, utilities, volume/mix impacts, and other key components of the plant financial results.
• Conduct in-depth variance analysis and root cause assessments, identifying key performance drivers and recommending strategic corrective actions.
• Engage with cross-functional teams to communicate solution-oriented insights, optimizing operational efficiency and driving superior financial performance outcomes.
• Actively support the evaluation, design, and continuous improvement of internal control processes in accordance with financial compliance standards.
• Collaborate with Group Controller and demonstrate proficient ability to strengthen internal governance, reduce financial risk exposure, and maintain the integrity and transparency of all financial reporting activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your contributions.
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off, sick days & holidays.
• Retirement plans designed to secure your future.
• Programs focused on personal well-being and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree