Plant Controller

Gates Corporation • Red Bay, AL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Controller leads all financial operations within the Red Bay, Alabama facility, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. The role ensures accurate and reliable financial reporting and compliance with corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.

As a member of the plant leadership team, the Controller partners with Operations and senior leadership to support strategic decisions and improve profitability through financial analysis and disciplined financial management. The role also focuses on cost structure, operational efficiency, and the site’s overall financial performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including manufacturing or plant finance; cost accounting is required.
• Experience driving change and adapting to a dynamic, fast-paced business environment.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and SOX compliance processes.
• Proven experience with standard cost accounting and financial analysis in a manufacturing environment.
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to present financial data to senior leadership.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar.
• Experience supporting global initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience with acquisitions or integration activities.

Responsibilities

• Own the plant’s Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting.
• Lead month-end close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation.
• Drive annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting, including labor, overhead, and standard cost modeling.
• Provide data-driven financial insights and performance metrics to plant leadership and Corporate Finance.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering on capital project evaluation, investment decisions, and ROI analysis.
• Analyze performance against plan and identify opportunities to improve cost control, efficiency, and plant performance.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and SOX requirements.
• Oversee plant-level financial operations, including cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, and fixed asset management.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by tracking financial impact and promoting accountability across the site.
• Lead and develop the finance team, supporting engagement, capability building, and succession planning.

Benefits

• Bonus eligible.
• Relocation provided.
• Medical, dental, vision insurance, and other voluntary benefit options; benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following the date of hire.
• Three weeks of paid vacation, 11 holidays (9 scheduled and 2 floating), and 8 sick days; vacation days are accrued.
• 401(k) with a 3% company contribution and an additional 3% company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager