Plant Controller

Job Title: Plant Controller

Location: Marion NC

Reports to: Plant Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

Seniority Level: Senior Level

Industry: Manufacturing Mechanical Power Transmission Components Engineering Services

Job Function: Financial Planning Operational Analysis Cost Management

Job Summary: The Plant Controller is a key financial leader responsible for providing comprehensive financial planning operational analysis and cost management support to plant operations. This role partners closely with plant leadership to drive manufacturing performance through accurate planning forecasting cost control and disciplined financial execution. The Plant Controller ensures the integrity of financial results while enabling data-driven decisions that improve operational efficiency profitability and inventory management.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Planning and Analysis
Lead the annual operating plan budget and rolling forecast processes for the manufacturing facility.
Develop detailed production labor overhead and capital expenditure plans aligned with operational goals.
Partner with plant leadership to translate production plans into financial outcomes.
Analyze variances versus plan forecast and prior periods; clearly communicate drivers and corrective actions.
Support long-range planning and scenario modeling related to capacity headcount pricing and cost initiatives.
Provide decision support for make-versus-buy sourcing capital investment and productivity projects.
Plant Operations and Cost Management
Act as a financial business partner to Plant Manager Operations Supply Chain and Engineering leaders.
Oversee product costing standard cost maintenance and cost rollups.
Drive transparency and accountability for labor material scrap and overhead absorption.
Lead efforts to identify cost reduction and operational efficiency opportunities.
Support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean Six Sigma TPM) with financial analytics.
Monitor inventory levels turns and reserves; ensure alignment with production and supply chain plans.
Accounting Controls and Compliance
Ensure accurate and timely monthly close including journal entries accruals and variance explanations.
Maintain strong internal controls over manufacturing inventory and fixed assets.
Ensure compliance with GAAP company policies and external audit requirements.
Partner with corporate accounting on standard cost updates and accounting changes.
Leadership and Collaboration
Lead and develop plant finance staff (if applicable).
Promote financial discipline and operational understanding across the plant.
Serve as a trusted advisor to plant leadership by providing clear actionable insights.
Collaborate with corporate FP&A supply chain and operations teams.

Key Metrics & Focus Areas:

Manufacturing cost per unit and margin performance
Labor efficiency and overhead absorption
Forecast accuracy and plan attainment
Inventory accuracy turns and working capital
Capital spend vs. plan
Variance identification and corrective action execution

Qualifications:

Required
Bachelors degree in Finance Accounting or related field
710 years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance or cost accounting
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations cost drivers and planning processes
Proven experience partnering with plant leadership
Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
ERP experience (SAP preferred)
Preferred
CMA
Experience with CCH Tagetik for budgeting forecasting and management reporting
Experience in complex manufacturing environments
Exposure to Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement frameworks

Physical Demands:

Extended periods of sitting at a workstation.
Speaking in person and over the telephone or Teams online.
Ability to type reach and grasp.
Intermittent standing and walking within the office environment.
Ability to travel and stay overnight as needed.

Why Join Us

Work alongside a collaborative experienced leadership team.
Be part of an industry leader with a strong brand reputation and an innovation-driven culture.

RBC Bearings is an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.