Senior Controller

Looking for a job that can turn into a lifelong career? At Lactalis USA, we believe in promoting from within and giving our employees opportunities to grow. Whether you're starting fresh or bringing years of experience, we'll provide the tools and support you need to succeed!

Lactalis, the world leader in dairy, is a family-owned business with more than 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals worldwide, committed to nurturing the future by providing healthy and delicious dairy products that bring people together every day. We produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together every day. We offer an enviable range of dairy brands including Galbani, President, Kraft Natural Cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Parmalat, Siggi's, and Stonyfield Organic in addition to several brands imported from our affiliates in Europe.

We live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity-and we're building a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, don't let that stop you from applying! We're eager to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how you can bring your EXPERTISE to help us make an impact.

From your PASSION to ours

The Plant Controller serves as a key member of the Plant Senior Leadership Team and is responsible for overseeing all of the plant's financial and accounting functions in accordance with corporate procedures and policies. Specific duties encompass strategy & productivity development, oversight of preparation and presentation of the annual operating budget, forecasting, financial analysis, business controls and capital financial analysis on strategic initiatives. The position is responsible for the development of the plant finance staff and the liaison to corporate Finance & Management Control. Responsibilities also include ensuring integrity in the financial records, safeguarding of assets, ensuring internal control environment in compliance with Lactalis policies, GAAP, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

* Build and maintain financial standards (BOMs).

* Report and present the manufacturing operation's weekly/monthly financial results, risks, and opportunities to key stakeholders in a timely and accurate manner.

* Oversee the month-end close process, including variance analysis to both budget and prior year.

* Oversee and provide cost forecasting & analysis, and productivity pipeline accuracy and analysis.

* Provide thought leadership and insight on the achievement of plant key performance metrics with a strong focus on cost reduction and improved operational efficiencies.

* Support the plant manager and other department managers to provide, coordinate, and challenge action plans for each of the technical indicators to achieve the targeted technical and financial commitments (Mass balance and Raw Material analysis, semi-finished and finished good losses, people organization and productivity, line efficiencies, expenses, received/paid difference for milk).

* Lead the annual operating budget process and consolidation, partnering with, while also challenging, plant leadership, the Vice President of Manufacturing, and corporate Finance/Management Control.

* Coordinate Internal Control self-assessment audits and manage all internal/external audits.

* Lead corporate initiatives within the plant and lead process improvements.

* Provide oversight, guidance, and control over plant Capital projects, including tracking milestone dates and percentages spent.

* Support corporate finance as required with respect to projects including capital appropriations and plant utilization/capacity/asset management opportunities.

* Manage and develop direct reports within the finance department, directing day-to-day duties and holding departmental meetings to communicate plant happenings.

* Develop strong plant knowledge of the operation, the various components, raw materials, processing, and warehousing.

* Set up and monitor various reports and systems that measure the performance of the plant, flagging deviations from established targets and performing gap analysis.

* Work closely with management in reporting and improving results, including the Monthly Operating Report.

* Interpret the General Ledger and compare it to the Monthly Operating Report.

* Work on monthly closing activities and reports as required.

* Analyze variances in actual versus budget expenses.

* Responsibility for maintenance parts valuation on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.

* Oversee all purchasing and expenses for the operation.

* Assist with preparing the facility budget presentation and reports the weekly and monthly performance of the plant.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the plant accounting team in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

WORK CONDITIONS

* Travel may be required seldom.

* Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs.

* To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer, phone or, and / or allowance(s) will be provided.

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties and responsibilities.

* This position requires physical presence in the office, in accordance with the guidelines of the Hybrid Work Policy.

* Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company's overall performance and success.

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

* Bachelor's degree is required.

* Majors in Finance, Business, or Accounting are preferred.

* Master's degree is favorable.

Experience

* 7+ years Finance or Accounting Management experience is required.

* 3+ years of general accounting experience required; budget preparation a plus.

* 5+ years of supervisory or management experience.

Certifications and specific knowledge

* The following certification is preferred for this role: CPA, CMA, etc...

* Strong working knowledge of manufacturing operations, product costing and systems

* Food Plant experience highly preferred.

Competencies

* Demonstrated project and change management abilities.

* Excellent ability to work in a cross-functional team environment.

* Extensive practical systems knowledge (SAP/Other costing systems, advanced Excel).

* Strong attention to detail and drive for results.

* Strong working knowledge of manufacturing operations, product costing, and systems.

* Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

* Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills, both written and verbal.

* Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.

At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.