Plant Controller

The Controller position is accountable for the overall integrity, accuracy and completeness of financial results and safeguarding of plant assets for a multi-line, and has significant operational and SKU complexity. The Controller is a key member of the Operations Management team and engages in all aspects of operations to provide timely and comprehensive financial leadership to the Plant Management team. This role is also responsible for developing and managing, hourly and possibly salaried level direct reports responsible for the day to day accounting, reporting and inventory control for the operations at respective plant. Working with the other Manufacturing Accounting Managers, Plant Management, the North American Business Unit Finance Team, and other Controllers.

Key Accountabilities:

• Accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Balance sheet oversight and reconciliation.
• Forecasting & budget planning.
• Capital expenditure analysis and reporting.
• Accurate cost analysis.
• Compliance with internal controls and corporate policies.
• Statutory reporting as required.
• Completion of internal and external audits.
• Support continuous operational and financial results improvement with focus on cost savings.
• Manage and develop direct reports.

Specific Accountabilities:

Financial Reporting and Controls/Compliance:

• Overall responsibility for the plant operations financial results and delivery of accurate timely results in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company processes/procedures and statutory regulations. Achieves this through working closely with the Plant Management team, Cost Accounting/Inventory Management and Supply Chain Finance teams.
• Work with Plant Management teams to set annual standards and production yields for financial reporting and costing analysis.
• Provide financial guidance and support to Plant Management with proactive communication of accounting/reporting issues and recommendations.
• Provide guidance/input to Management on key business decisions that enable effective and efficient operations and delivery of cost savings.
• Provide guidance to Plant Management in the origination of capital expenditure requests. Prepare/review financial support for the capex requests ensuring compliance to Refresco policy and robust accurate projections of costs and savings generated by the project. Perform post capital expenditure audits and reviews.
• Ensure compliance with key control procedures and corporate policies and procedures at the local level plant management team to ensure the overall financial integrity of the plant financial information and safeguarding of assets.
• Weekly/monthly working capital reporting. Work with Plant management to manage effective working capital utilization and cash flows. Significant areas of focus being inventories and capex cash flows.
• Maintain open communication with peers to foster a consistent approach in the financial management of the local operating units.
• Provide support for external and internal audits at the operating facilities. Complete other ad-hoc reporting requests

Budgeting/Forecasting:

• Manage the weekly/monthly/quarterly flash forecast process with the Plant Management team to deliver accurate forecasted results. Appropriate identification of risks and opportunities.
• Lead the development of the Annual Operating Plan for plant

Business Analysis Support:

• Collaborate with the Plant Management Team to identify and recommend process improvements that will deliver financial benefits or mitigate financial risks. Analyze financial data to facilitate decision making process at the plant management level.

Education and Experience:

• B.S. / B.A. degree in Accounting.
• CPA, CMA or equivalent designation
• Manufacturing/costing experience
• Staff management experience
• 5-7 years related work experience in manufacturing or industrial environment. Food and Beverage related manufacturing a plus

Skills and Competencies:

• IT Literate (Microsoft Office)
• ERP System experience (SAP preferred)
• Strong analytical skills
• Proven strategic problem solving skills
• Ability to operate and consistently deliver in a changing environment
• High level of accountability.
• Self-starter with strong initiative and the ability to work independently.
• Strives for high performance and uses technical skills effectively with a demonstrated emphasis to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to multi-task, and work in an organized, detailed manner under limited time frames & tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of financial accounting systems, controls and compliance procedures and industry practices.
• Strong Business Ethics Commitment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability explain results, document processes and convey ideas.
• Financial analysis skills (identifies information needed to prepare and validate analyses; interprets and draws conclusions from financial information; extracts meaning from data by recognizing trends and patterns).
• US GAAP/IFRS knowledge

Working Conditions:

• Physical - Regular requirements to sit and enter data in the computer. Standing, walking and climbing inside and outside of plant buildings.
• Visual/Sensory - This position requires to be able to work long hours in front of the computer
• Work environment – Manufacturing environment
• Mental Stress - There is pronounced pressure from meeting deadlines, schedules and accuracy of work output.