Plant Controller

USA Rare Earth, LLC•Stillwater, OK

About The Position

As the Plant Controller for our early-stage public manufacturing company, you will provide financial leadership over all manufacturing costs, inventory, and operational accounting functions for a public company. This role is responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, strengthening internal controls, supporting SEC and SOX compliance, and providing strategic insight to optimize production efficiency and margins. The Manufacturing Controller acts as a key business partner to Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Executive Leadership, enabling data-driven decisions and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing network.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
5+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, ideally within manufacturing in a public company
1–3 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing financial processes.
Ability to operate effectively in an early-stage, fast-scaling public company environment.
Exceptional analytical skills and proficiency with ERP systems and Excel.
Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to partner across operations and corporate functions.

Responsibilities

Lead annual standard cost roll and ensure accuracy of BOMs, routings, and overhead allocation.
Monitor and analyze manufacturing variances (PPV, scrap, labor overhead absorption, rework).
Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting for COGS, production costs, and capital expenditures.
Conduct cost modeling to evaluate pricing, capital investments, product changes, and make-versus-buy decisions.
Deliver product and customer profitability models to support strategic planning.
Oversee standard cost development for new and existing products.
Serve as the financial liaison to manufacturing leadership, providing insights that drive productivity and cost efficiencies.
Lead initiatives in cost savings, automation, inventory optimization, and process standardization.
Support ERP enhancements and digital reporting tools that improve financial visibility and operational decision-making.
Champion continuous improvement culture by implementing lean accounting practices aligned with the business strategy.
Support pricing decisions, quoting, and proposals with accurate cost data.
Collaborate with Operations on production planning and cost impact.
Provide financial support for new product launches and capital projects.
Ensure the plant adheres to all accounting regulations, internal processes, and audit requirements.
Maintain strong documentation, controls, and systems to uphold financial accuracy and integrity.