Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Mankato, MN

Plant Controller
We are searching for an experienced; Plant Controller for Mankato, MN plant locations.
Company Paid: Life Insurance, STD, and LTD
3 weeks PTO
9 paid holidays in 2026
Parental Leave
Additional Benefits:
401k with company match
Medical, dental, vision
Employee Discount Programs
Miscellaneous other optional benefits
Career development and tuition assistance
Diverse, inclusive and welcoming culture
Overview
We are looking for an energetic and passionate Plant Controller to join our team. The Plant Controller will be responsible for their respective plant P&L and Balance Sheet creation. This individual will oversee all accounting functions for the plant and will serve as a business partner to the Plant Manager by identifying financial and operational risks as well as opportunities.
Additionally, this role will support a secondary facility in Cincinnati, requiring monthly travel to the Cincinnati location.
We are specifically targeting candidates with direct Manufacturing Plant Controller experience. Strong preference will be given to candidates who are local to Mankato, MN, or regional to the Mankato market. The ideal candidate will have proven experience supporting manufacturing operations through financial leadership, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, internal controls, plant-level financial reporting, and partnership with plant leadership.
Responsibilities
Reconciling sub-ledger to general ledger account balances
Assessing internal controls, including risk assessments and reviews of risk areas
Performing monthly balance sheet, income statement, and changes in financial position/budget variance analyses
Assisting in the design and preparation of budgets for review by management
Maintaining and reconciling fixed assets schedules
Create and analyze liability, asset, and capital accounts by compiling electronic data and required documentation
Summarize and prepare financial status and transaction reports, including a profit and loss statement and other necessary reports
Comply with all federal, state, and local protocols including legal requirements and interpret new and existing legislation
Create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual for accounting policy and regulations, and roll out reconciliation procedures
Monitor and maintain a new audit system by implementing new policies and procedures in the finance department
Guide facility personnel in requirements for finance-related activities and reporting
Focus on tax compliance, state business registration, contract review, and non-profit tax filing
Play a vital part in the company's financial management which includes all account reconciliations and reporting to necessary parties
Provide financial oversight and partnership support for the Cincinnati facility, including monthly on-site engagement and performance review
Requirements
5+ years' experience working with intercompany transactions and reconciliation in preparation for audit
3+ years' accounting or finance experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
Direct Manufacturing Plant Controller experience strongly preferred
ERP experience required with implementation experience a plus
Experience partnering with facility management to deliver continuous improvement
Working knowledge of tax filing and tax compliance as it pertains to state and federal level regulations
Demonstrated ability to work in a leadership role and coach facility leadership on financial performance understanding and areas for improvement
Experience in budget creation for a facility
Thorough understanding of financial application security ensuring that all financial data is secure and complies with confidentiality policies
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other applications related to finance and accounting
Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrated ability to support other departments in the company
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
CMA and/or CPA beneficial
Desired Qualifications
Strong financial acumen with demonstrated analytical ability accompanied by knowledge of corporate finance and manufacturing
Demonstrated ability to manage and control costs effectively
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute strategic directions
Conducts himself/herself with the highest ethical and moral standards
A collaborative team player
Experience managing plant P&L and balance sheet responsibilities within a manufacturing environment
Experience supporting Plant Managers and Operations Leadership teams
Strong cost accounting, inventory management, and manufacturing finance experience
Competencies
Managing and Measuring
Planning
Dealing with Ambiguity
Managing/Growing Direct Reports
Comfort Around Top Management
Customer Focus
Travel Requirements
Approximately 25% travel, including monthly travel to the Cincinnati, OH facility
Physical Requirements
Must wear proper personal protection equipment while on manufacturing floor
Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required
Location Preference: Candidates local to Mankato, MN, or within the regional Mankato market are preferred. Candidates must be able to support the Mankato facility while meeting the monthly travel requirements to Cincinnati, OH.
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
**Please no Third-party candidates or phone calls**