Plant Controller

Plant Controller (Manufacturing Plant)

Location – Port Elizabeth

A Manufacturing Plant Controller in the manufacturing industry plays a crucial role in managing the financial aspects of a manufacturing company, ensuring the organization's financial health and stability by overseeing and managing various financial functions. This critical position helps ensure that the company's financial resources are effectively managed to support its operations and growth. Working closely with departments such as production, supply chain, and sales, the Plant Controller makes informed financial decisions that contribute to the overall success of the business.

key responsibilities and tasks associated with this role:

• Financial Reporting: Prepare and analyze financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with accounting standards and regulations.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Develop and manage the company's budget, as well as long-term financial forecasts. Monitor actual financial performance against budgeted figures and provide explanations for variances.
• Material Costs: calculation of the unitary cost of the products, verifying its variance in relation to previous periods, as well as versus the planned cost on project.
• Cost Control: Monitor and control manufacturing costs, including materials, labor, and overhead expenses. Identify cost-saving opportunities and make recommendations to improve cost efficiency.
• Financial Analysis: Conduct in-depth financial analysis to support decision-making. This may include evaluating the profitability of specific product lines, assessing capital investment projects, and conducting cost-benefit analyses.
• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory control and management, ensuring accurate valuation and appropriate levels of inventory to meet production demands while minimizing carrying costs. Evaluate the accruals for overstock and obsolete material, parts and components.
• CAPEX: Monitor the fixed assets, tooling and R&D spending, ensuring payment at the correct times and compensation of suppliers advances. Properly calculate the depreciation and amortization of these assets.
• Compliance and Audit: Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws, and industry standards. Coordinate and manage financial audits and work with auditors to address any findings.
• Financial Planning and Strategy: Collaborate with the executive team to develop and implement financial strategies and goals that align with the company's overall business objectives.
• Financial Systems and Controls: Implement and maintain robust financial systems and internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Team Leadership: Manage a team of financial professionals, including accountants and financial analysts, and provide guidance and support in their day-to-day activities.
• Performance Metrics: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the financial health and efficiency of the manufacturing operation.
• Cost Accounting: Implement and maintain cost accounting systems to allocate costs accurately to products or projects.
• ERP Systems: Use Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and other financial software to manage financial data and processes.
• Strategic Decision Support: Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making, such as expansion, diversification, or cost-cutting initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Management Accounting (essential).
• Professional qualification such as CIMA, CA(SA), or ACCA (advantageous / preferred).
• Minimum of 7–10 years' experience in finance or controlling, with at least 5 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong cost accounting and plant controlling experience (essential).
• Proven experience with budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
• Experience managing CAPEX, inventory control, and ERP financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Solid understanding of IFRS and local tax regulations.

Skills and Competencies:

• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable business insights.
• High level of accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.