Assistant Plant Controller

Assistant Controller – Automotive Manufacturing

Location: Manchester, MI

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing

Employment Type: Direct Hire

 

Our client is seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join their established automotive manufacturing operation in Manchester, MI. This position will play a key role in supporting the Plant Controller, overseeing day-to-day accounting activities, financial reporting, forecasting, internal controls, and plant-level cost improvement initiatives.

 

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting/finance professional who enjoys working closely with both the finance team and manufacturing operations. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to understand the business from the plant floor through the financial statements and make a direct impact on profitability and continuous improvement.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Plant Controller with weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Prepare and explain actual-to-budget/forecast variances.
• Oversee plant accounting functions including accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, fixed assets, intercompany transactions, accruals, and cash management.
• Manage month-end close activities and balance sheet account reconciliations.
• Prepare and maintain supporting documentation for financial reporting and audits.
• Assist with weekly forecasting and annual budgeting.
• Review standard and non-standard journal entries.
• Maintain and strengthen plant-level internal controls and ensure compliance with SOX requirements.
• Identify and implement cost-saving and continuous improvement initiatives across finance and manufacturing operations.
• Partner with department leaders to identify inefficiencies and opportunities related to freight, inventory, scrap, outsourced production, and other operating costs.
• Assist with inventory counts and inventory valuation.
• Support capital expenditure requests, including payback analysis and supporting documentation.
• Assist with customer quotation reviews and financial analysis.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure timely resolution of audit findings.
• Work closely with plant leadership to develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on financial performance.
• Provide guidance and direction to accounting/finance staff.
• Participate in quality, environmental, and continuous improvement initiatives.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on accounting/finance experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• CPA, CA, or other recognized accounting designation preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations accounting and plant finance.
• Experience with AS400; CMS or Epicor experience is a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Working knowledge of SOX/internal controls; Bill 198 experience is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership, and manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working both in an office environment and regularly on the manufacturing floor.

 

This is a hands-on role for someone who wants to be more than a numbers person. The successful candidate will take the initiative to understand the manufacturing operation, identify opportunities for improvement, and partner with plant leadership to improve cost, efficiency, profitability, and overall financial performance.

 

If you have manufacturing accounting/finance experience and are ready to take the next step toward a Controller-level role, we'd like to hear from you.

Pay Details: $100,000.00 to $120,000.00 per year

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.