Controller

California Dairies, Inc.•Visalia, CA

3d•$106,896 - $148,467

About The Position

The Plant Controller III is the senior financial position at a production facility for California Dairies, Inc. The role is responsible for all plant accounting activities, including accurate and timely recording of production, finished-goods inventories, receipts of milk and other fluid dairy products, sales and transfers, and KPI reporting. Additional areas include annual budgeting, production forecasting, bills of materials analysis, financial variance analysis, and cost accounting. The Controller leads a small finance and accounting team of two or more employees, providing direction, coaching, development, and support. The role partners with operations management and cross-functional teams to strengthen financial controls, understand plant performance, improve operational efficiency, and support financial compliance and reporting integrity. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in accounting or finance, at least eight years of manufacturing accounting experience, prior supervisory experience, and experience with standard cost development and sales pricing. Dairy industry experience is preferred. The role uses a computer, copiers, a calculator, and other basic office equipment. It involves a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, occasional lifting of at least 25 pounds, and various other physical activities including climbing during plant inspections.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in Accounting or Finance.
Eight or more years of manufacturing accounting experience.
Experience leading and developing a team responsible for accounting activities.
Previous supervisory experience.
Previous experience in standard cost development.
Previous experience in sales pricing.
Knowledge of GAAP and internal controls.
Excellent data analysis and problem-solving skills.
Strong computer skills, specifically 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, member/owners, and external stakeholders.
Ability to perform tasks with a high level of confidentiality.
Flexibility and a positive approach in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Good judgment when carrying out assigned duties.
English written and spoken language skills are required.
Ability to perform the physical requirements described, including occasional lifting of at least 25 pounds and climbing and balancing during plant inspections; reasonable accommodations may be available.

Nice To Haves

Dairy industry manufacturing accounting experience.

Responsibilities

Manage the general ledger and ensure financial data is complete and accurate.
Lead the preparation, analysis, and posting of journal entries in accordance with accounting standards and corporate policies.
Lead account reconciliations and month-end and year-end closing processes.
Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs across product lines.
Evaluate bills of materials and validate ingredient and packaging formulas against production standards and operational needs.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives and improve cost-accounting transparency to support margin optimization.
Manage the accumulation and consolidation of financial data for accurate accounting of consolidated business results.
Develop and prepare the annual budget and financial forecasts using financial modeling and data analysis.
Provide insights that align operational financial plans with corporate strategy and performance metrics.
Report and compare factors affecting product or service prices and profitability.
Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.
Prepare and present weekly and monthly performance reports and provide insights into plant operations.
Report on yield performance, labor, maintenance spending, utilities, volume and mix impacts, and other components of plant financial results.
Conduct variance analysis and root-cause assessments, identify performance drivers, and recommend corrective actions.
Communicate solution-oriented financial insights with cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and financial performance.
Evaluate, design, and refine internal controls and support compliance with financial standards.
Collaborate with operations management to strengthen governance, mitigate financial risk, and preserve financial reporting integrity.
Promote transparency, accountability, and execution of compliance protocols.
Supervise and support a finance and accounting team of two or more employees; communicate goals, delegate work, coach and develop team members, recognize accomplishments, advocate for team needs, and encourage process improvement and innovation.
Perform other duties as assigned.