Job Information
Robert Half Financial Controller in Chesaning, Michigan
Description
A growing manufacturing organization is seeking a Financial Controller who thrives in the operational complexity and fast-paced environment of manufacturing. This is not a traditional back-office accounting role — we’re looking for a finance leader who embraces the challenges of the plant floor, understands cost drivers, and partners closely with operations to drive performance and profitability.
The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys digging into the dynamics of production, quoting new products, analyzing manufacturing processes, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. This role will serve as a key business partner to operations, helping leadership make informed decisions through data-driven financial insights.
Financial Controller Key Responsibilities:
Operational Finance Leadership
Serve as the primary financial partner to plant leadership and operations teams.
Analyze manufacturing performance, cost drivers, and operational KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement.
Provide financial insights that support operational decision-making and long-term manufacturing strategy.
Cost Accounting & Product Profitability
Oversee product costing, standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory management.
Lead financial analysis around new product quoting and estimating, ensuring accurate cost assumptions related to labor, materials, overhead, and production processes.
Evaluate product and customer profitability to support pricing and operational decisions.
Continuous Improvement & ROI Analysis
Support continuous improvement initiatives across the plant by analyzing financial impact and expected returns.
Evaluate capital investments, automation opportunities, and process changes through ROI and payback analysis.
Track projects from proposal through implementation to ensure expected savings and operational efficiencies are realized.
Identify underperforming projects or initiatives and help leadership determine if projects should be modified, improved, or closed.
Financial Reporting & Controls
Lead month-end close and deliver accurate financial reporting for plant performance.
Provide detailed analysis of manufacturing variances including labor, materials, scrap, and overhead.
Ensure strong internal controls, inventory accuracy, and financial discipline across operations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with engineering, operations, procurement, and supply chain teams to understand production dynamics and cost drivers.
Actively participate in operational meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.
This opportunity is ideal for a finance professional who chooses manufacturing because of its complexity and operational impact.
For immediate consideration call Jimmy Tunney at 517-657-8054.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
7+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing finance or cost accounting.
Deep understanding of standard costing, inventory management, and manufacturing variance analysis.
Experience with quoting and estimating new products or manufacturing processes.
Strong analytical mindset with experience evaluating ROI, capital investments, and cost improvement initiatives.
Comfortable working directly with operations and production teams.
Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to challenge assumptions and drive better outcomes.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
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All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
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