Plant Controller
About the job
IRCA is a leading international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry and gelato markets, serving independent producers as well as large food manufacturers (e.g. CPG). Core products include chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other bakery / pastry ingredients.
The Company, headquartered in Italy, was acquired by Advent International, the global Private Equity firm, in July 2022, and has a strong track record of growth over the last decade. IRCA has made 2 bolt-on acquisitions in the areas of candied fruits (Cesarin) and pistachio ingredients (Anastasi) in 2022, and recently entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target’s business focuses on high value add specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment, with a portfolio that incorporates a range of products including sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates and fruit purées.
This transformative deal would create a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry, with 22 manufacturing facilities in Europe, US and Vietnam and a combined €1 billion of revenues (2022).
Purpose of Position
The Plant Controller is an integral part of the accounting team, reporting directly to the Financial Director. The position has a strong focus on inventory management with direct responsibility for item costing and all related inventory activities. The role will provide accurate plant financial and statistical data in order for management to make timely and informed decisions concerning financial performance of the business.
Key responsibilities
· Inventory responsibilities
o Responsible for proper control and valuation of inventory. This includes individual item cost reported from production and maintaining statistics regarding variances to modeled cost.
o Coordinate and challenge various managers in all areas of inventory management including inventory levels, aged inventories, research of problems as necessary, inventory consolidations and other inventory issues that become necessary
o Cycle counting of inventory at plant and all outside storage locations. Maintain appropriate statistics. Manage cycle count personnel as required.
o Communicate actual and model cost to the commercial team for pricing as requested.
o Prepare monthly raw material position report in conjunction with the purchasing and commercial team.
o Perform month end inventory closing cycle with related accounting and reporting.
o Maintain integrity of entire inventory system by becoming quickly proficient in the Mapics ERP system.
· Monthly operations report preparation due the Friday following month end. This report contains Plant production statistics, Trend analysis, Plant cost detail and statistics, Labor statistics, Variance analysis, and overall site performance statistics.
· Operate the capital project system in conjunction with the Beloit team.
· Profit Improvement Program – responsible for administrating the program in conjunction with various department managers.
· Review Plant expenses monthly and be proactive in cost control.
· As part of the accounting team, cross train in various accounting task including month end closing, work-paper preparation, CRT accounting, manufacturing cube analysis, and budgeting.
· Special projects as directed by the financial director which will include all facets of the accounting function.
Professional Skills & Education:
· Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, statistics and/or business related functions preferred, with a minimum of 5+ years of experience.
· Public accounting and/or CPA/CMA are considered a plus. Personal characteristics: Well-developed interpersonal skills.
· Performance measurement (consolidation and evaluation), control and risk management, and information management.
· Strong IT skills, particularly Excel and Accounting systems.
· Prior experience in Manufacturing preferred
Behavioral requirements:
- Multi-tasking, organizational and time management expertise.
- Problem solving skills.
- Ability to establish credibility and be decisive (particularly with other business leadership levels)
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Lead and motivate staff while maintaining an environment conducive to working. Good business acumen
- Must be able to work on site at our plant located in Affton, Missouri 63123