PLANT CONTROLLER

IMPACT and OPPORTUNITY

Functions at a senior level within the organization, providing strong financial leadership at plant level to ensure cost transparency, operational efficiency, and profitable decision-making.

This role plays a critical part in connecting finance with operations, maintaining a strong hands-on presence on the shop floor, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives through accurate financial insight, discipline, and business partnership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure strong financial control of plant operations by providing timely, accurate, and actionable visibility of costs, margins, and financial performance.

• Monitor and analyze key plant financial metrics including cost per unit, absorption, variances, and operational KPIs.

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, aligned with operational and strategic objectives.

• Maintain a hands-on, operational approach, with frequent interaction on the shop floor to understand manufacturing processes and cost drivers.

• Track, analyze, and report quality-related costs, including scrap, rework, and warranty, performing root-cause and financial impact analysis.

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costing structures to support cost transparency and efficiency initiatives.

• Oversee inventory valuation, accuracy, and internal controls, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and local regulations.

• Manage CAPEX planning, tracking, post-investment follow-up, and depreciation alignment.

• Prepare and review business cases for operational projects, productivity improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Analyze logistics, freight, and transportation costs to identify optimization opportunities.

• Ensure proper financial control of customs, duties, and trade-related costs, in compliance with applicable regulations.

• Drive budget discipline through variance analysis, financial performance reviews, and corrective action follow-up.

• Oversee fixed assets accounting, including capitalization, tracking, transfers, and disposals.

• Act as a financial business partner to Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Plant Leadership teams, supporting data-driven decision-making.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field (MBA or Master’s preferred).

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in plant controlling or finance roles within the automotive industry.

• Strong operational and hands-on mindset, with demonstrated experience working closely with manufacturing teams and shop floor operations.

• Advanced knowledge of:

  • Standard costing and cost variance analysis

  • Budgeting and forecasting

  • Financial controls and compliance

• Advanced SAP FI/CO proficiency (cost centers, internal orders, product costing).

• Advanced Excel skills for financial modeling, dashboards, and analysis.

• Advanced English proficiency (written and spoken).

• Knowledge or formal training in Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement tools (diploma or certification preferred).

• Strong leadership, accountability, communication, and business partnering capabilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies in a manufacturing environment.

• Lean, Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification.

• Strong executive-level presentation skills (PowerPoint).

• Experience working in high-volume, complex automotive manufacturing operations.