Job Description

About Kerry

Kerry is the world's leading taste and nutrition company for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers' most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.

About the role

We are looking for a dynamic Plant Controller to join our Melrose Park, Illinois facility, a key part of our Coatings Business within the Meat Business Unit. This site, with over 160 employees, is undergoing a significant operational transformation aimed at long-term sustainability and efficiency. This role presents an exceptional opportunity for a finance leader to develop commercial and strategic skills while gaining valuable plant leadership experience.

As the Plant Controller, you will work closely with plant management to oversee all financial operations, including cost control, performance analysis, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Your insights will support timely and informed decision-making for both Plant and Corporate Management, playing a crucial role in achieving non-financial KPIs by supporting and challenging other functions.

Reporting directly to the Senior Finance Director for the Meat Business Unit and indirectly to the Plant Manager, you will be integral to our operations. While prior experience with SAP ERP systems is preferred, it is not essential as training will be provided. Experience with similar systems is also desirable. Additionally, you will manage a Finance Analyst who supports a smaller sister plant in Hot Springs, AR, and day-to-day operations in Melrose Park, with a key focus on developing this individual into a future Plant Controller.

Key responsibilities

• Financial Performance & Accountability: Partner with site leadership to ensure ownership and accountability for financial performance, identifying process improvements and cost reduction opportunities.  
• Financial Analysis & Reporting: Present financial analysis and scorecards to plant and business unit management, emphasizing operational performance, SKU and asset productivity, and inventory/waste management.
• Operational Performance Reporting: Prepare daily, weekly, and period-end operational performance reports with recommendations for corrective actions.
• Strategic Collaboration : Collaborate with Plant Manager on monthly operating results and strategic decisions.
• Month-End Closing & Reconciliation: Oversee month-end closing, balance sheet management, accruals, and purchase order reconciliation.
• Product Costing Support: Support the centralized Product Costing Team as needed.
• Process Adherence: Ensure strong process adherence across the plant for inventory control, risk management, cycle counting accuracy, inventory obsolescence, vendor payment management, and customer billing.
• Capital Projects & Financial Planning: Report on capital projects performance and participate in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Project Management: Manage Project “Accelerate” financial tracking and regional cost management initiatives.
• Best Practices Implementation: Implement Kerry Best Practices and participate in Gemba walks.
• Recommendations & Risk Management: Make recommendations based on trends, business opportunities, and potential efficiency improvements. Highlight risks to compliance or performance that need addressing.

Qualifications and skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA, CMA, or equivalent is preferred but not required).
• Proficient in SAP and accounting systems; experience with performance-based measurement is highly desired. Strong knowledge of Excel and associated systems.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication, organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Experience in strategic planning, investment analysis, capital management, budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, financial reporting, and managing fixed assets.
• Experience in commercial and manufacturing (food, chemical, or pharmaceutical industry) is beneficial but not required.
• Experience in talent development is desired.

The typical hiring range for this role is $91,400 to $138,350 annually and is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, location, etc.  In addition to your pay, Kerry offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and retirement contribution (all benefits and incentives are subject to eligibility requirements). 

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