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Plant Cost Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ethos

Plant Cost Accountant

Waverly, IA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Plant Cost Accountant The Plant Cost Accountant is r esponsible for analyzing gross profit margins ... Works with the Corporate Controller and CFO to manage company costs, assist in the preparation of ...

Ethos

Plant Cost Accountant

Waverly, IA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Plant Cost Accountant The Plant Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing gross profit margins ... Works with the Corporate Controller and CFO to manage company costs, assist in the preparation of ...

Ethos

Plant Cost Accountant

Waverly, IA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Plant Cost Accountant The Plant Cost Accountant is r esponsible for analyzing gross profit margins ... Works with the Corporate Controller and CFO to manage company costs, assist in the preparation of ...

Ethos

Plant Cost Accountant

Waverly, IA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Plant Cost Accountant The Plant Cost Accountant is r esponsible for analyzing gross profit margins ... Works with the Corporate Controller and CFO to manage company costs, assist in the preparation of ...

Ametek

Plant Controller

Whitsett, NC

$79K - $99K/yr

Join our team as a Plant Controller and play a key role in driving financial performance and ... This position blends hands-on cost accounting, strategic planning, and cross-functional ...

WinCup

Plant Controller

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Summary The Plant Controller oversees all plant‑level financial operations, including cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. This role partners closely with Plant Management to ...

WinCup

Plant Controller

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Summary The Plant Controller oversees all plant‑level financial operations, including cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. This role partners closely with Plant Management to ...

WinCup

Plant Controller

Tolleson, AZ · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

Summary The Plant Controller oversees all plant-level financial operations, including cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. This role partners closely with Plant Management to analyze ...

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Plant Cost Controller information

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$66K

$120.2K

$153.5K

How much do plant cost controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant cost controller in the United States is $120,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $133,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plant cost controller do?

A Plant Cost Controller is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and managing the costs associated with manufacturing operations at a plant. They work closely with production, finance, and management teams to ensure budgets are followed, costs are controlled, and financial reports accurately reflect plant performance. Their duties often include preparing cost analyses, identifying areas for cost savings, forecasting expenses, and supporting decision-making with financial data. Effective cost controllers help optimize profitability and improve operational efficiency within the plant.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant cost controller?

To thrive as a Plant Cost Controller, you need strong analytical skills, a solid background in finance or accounting, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with ERP systems (such as SAP), advanced Excel skills, and relevant certifications like CMA or CPA are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving abilities help individuals excel in collaborating with operations teams and managing budgets. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate cost tracking, effective financial planning, and supporting the plant's profitability.

How does a plant cost controller typically interact with production and operations teams?

A Plant Cost Controller works closely with production and operations teams to monitor and analyze manufacturing costs, identify areas for cost savings, and ensure adherence to budgetary targets. Regular meetings and reporting are common, as the controller provides insights on cost drivers and supports operational decision-making. This collaboration helps bridge the gap between financial objectives and day-to-day plant operations, fostering a culture of cost-consciousness and continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Plant Cost Controller vs Plant Accountant?

AspectPlant Cost ControllerPlant Accountant
Primary FocusCost management, budgeting, and financial analysis specific to plant operationsFinancial record-keeping, reporting, and compliance for plant financial activities
CertificationsCPA, CMA, or equivalent; cost accounting certifications often preferredCPA or equivalent; accounting certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, industrial facilitiesManufacturing plants, industrial facilities
Employer UsageUsed by companies focusing on cost control and operational efficiencyUsed by companies for financial reporting and compliance

The Plant Cost Controller primarily manages cost analysis and budgeting to optimize plant expenses, while the Plant Accountant handles financial record-keeping and reporting. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments and often work closely together, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and scope.

How to become a plant cost controller?

To become a plant cost controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Relevant skills include cost analysis, budgeting, and proficiency with ERP or accounting software; professional certifications like CMA or CPA can enhance prospects. Gaining experience in manufacturing or industrial environments is also valuable.

Is a plant cost controller a good job?

A plant cost controller is a role focused on managing and analyzing manufacturing or plant-related costs to ensure budget adherence and cost efficiency. It requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of cost accounting, and proficiency with financial software. The job can offer stable employment and opportunities for advancement in manufacturing or industrial settings.

What is the salary of a plant cost controller?

The salary of a plant cost controller typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work with cost accounting software and may require certifications such as CMA or CPA.

What cities are hiring for Plant Cost Controller jobs?

Cities with the most Plant Cost Controller job openings:

What states have the most Plant Cost Controller jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plant Cost Controller jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Cost Controller jobs?

For Plant Cost Controller jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Plant Cost Controller job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,239 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Plant Controller / Cost Controller

Chicago Heights, IL

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak LLC
Rail Transportation
Learn more about voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak LLCexternal

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description




Join Our Team at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak!


Embark on a rewarding career journey with voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak, North America's premier designer and manufacturer of special trackwork. With a legacy spanning 160 years, we lead the industry in shaping the future of rail solutions. As part of the voestalpine Railway Systems global network, we are committed to delivering quality products and services, including rails, turnouts, fastening systems, signaling technologies, and monitoring solutions. Operating with a presence across Canada, the US, and Mexico, we prioritize the well-being of our people, global mobility, and sustainability and innovation.


Our people are the foundation of our success. Skilled, motivated, and results-driven individuals shape our culture demonstrating our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Curiosity, Courage, Passion, and Diversity each day. This commitment is more than shared values; it extends to shared responsibilities for safety and quality, showing genuine care for one another's growth and development, a commitment to our customers, and fostering strong relationships within the Nortrak Team and with our customers.

We are currently looking for a Plant Controller / Senior Cost Controller to join our team in Chicago Heights, IL. 


PURPOSE OF POSITION 

Reporting directly to the Vice President, Controlling, the Plant Controller/ Cost Controller for vaRS Nortrak’s facility located in Chicago Heights, IL, is responsible to perform and lead a variety of financial management and reporting responsibilities. You will work directly with the Plant Manager and report to the company’s VP, Controlling.


TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Safety: 

  •  Complies with all Nortrak safety policies and regulations.

  

Financial Management and Reporting:

  • Complete month-end procedures and prepare internal management reports.
  • Analyze profitability by product, project, and customer.
  • Lead monthly financial reviews with the CFO, VP Controlling, Plant Manager, and other departments.
  • Support process improvement initiatives and assist with cost saving plans.
  • Perform profitability and cost analyses for a variety of projects, investments and products.
  • Assist decision making at a plant level with regular and ad-hoc analyses.
  • Prepare internal budgets and monitor actual results against budget.
  • Prepare quarterly revenue forecasts in collaboration with the production team.
  • Work closely with Purchasing, HR and Sales to optimize cost, pricing and overhead.


Inventory and costing:

  • Manage product costing in SAP and review standard costs on a monthly basis.
  • Review and reconcile labor reports and analyze actuals vs production benchmarks.
  • Monitor inventory costing, balance and movement.
  • Collaborate with Production Team in managing inventory counts and various operations.
  • Identify, investigate and resolve costing and labor variances with different groups.


Other:

  • Monitor vendor invoices, provide classification and address errors.
  • Monitor and resolve sales order issues with Sales and Account Managers.
  • Ad-hoc reporting and financial management tasks as required.
  • Support plant team with analytical and financial tasks. 
  • Ensures all costing is current, accurate and complete. Continuously verifies estimated costs against actuals. 
  • Manage deadlines and prioritize bids based on complexity, priority and risks.
  • Monitor and enforce compliance with internal policies at the plant level.

 

Cost: 

  • Maintains knowledge of state-of-practice. Identifies and recommends cost effective material, design and process options.
  • Liaise with sub-trades for quotations and analyze quotes compared to historical data.
  • Use financial and non-financial data to make informed assumptions for costing.

 

People: 

  • Build and nurture healthy working relationships with a wide range of employees.
  • Take interest and ownership of your responsibilities.
  • Participate and engage in different initiatives as needed.
  • Actively participate in production meetings to gain an understanding of products and manufacturing procedures.
  • Maintain and collaborate a good working relationship with other functions and divisions; in particular Sales
  • Perform peer-review on other estimators’ work and provide feedback.
  • Eager to improve and support other estimators.
  • Maintain and collaborate a good working relationship with other functions and divisions; in particular Sales.
  • Perform peer-review on other estimators’ work and provide feedback.
  • Eager to improve and support other estimators. 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL: 

 

  • Adhere to Nortrak's Environmental Procedures, Practices and Policies.

 

 

QUALITIFCATIONS:

 

Education:

  • Undergraduate Degree in Accounting, Business or Finance or equivalent – CPA or CMA would be an asset but not required.
  • Minimum of 3+ years of accounting experience, ideally in manufacturing.

 

Experience:  

  • Experience with financial planning and analysis
  • Understanding of cost accounting methodologies
  • Ability to analyze financial and non-financial data and be able to clearly articulate opportunities for improvement and/or risk areas
  • Advanced Excel, Word and Power Point skills
  • Experience with ERP systems – ideally SAP
  • Strong analytical and interpersonal skills combined with sound professional judgement
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills


PHYSICAL DEMANDS WHEN AT MANUFACTURING FACILITIES:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; occasional standing and walking for your scheduled shift.
  • Must remain stationary for extended periods and move throughout the building to access files.
  • Must work effectively in a noisy environment.
  • Ability to lift and move equipment or objects up to 20-25 pounds occasionally.
  • Visual requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Occasional travel required, involving walking, standing, sitting, and driving for varying durations.
  • Frequent use of hands and arms for dialing phones and using a computer mouse.


Benefits:

  • A supportive, family oriented Nortrak Blue culture
  • We provide an environment where Health and Safety is our #1 priority
  • Career development opportunities and competitive pay progression
  • Competitive medical, dental & vision benefits
  • Company paid life and disability insurance 
  • Paid holidays and vacation
  • Retirement plan with matching contributions
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs


WORKING LOCATION:

  • Chicago Heights, IL


salary:

  • $70,000/year - $100,000/year


If you think you have the necessary qualifications and drive to excel in our team, we invite you to apply now and join us at voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak. Apply today!

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak (“Nortrak”) is a subsidiary of voestalpine AG (www.voestalpine.com) one of Europe’s premier steel producers with over 50,000 employees worldwide. Nortrak is closely affiliated with voestalpine’s Railway Systems group which operates in 21 countries across the globe to provide cutting edge system-based solutions to railroads and transits. Our website is https://www.voestalpine.com/nortrak/en/

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, and any other federal, state, or locally protected classifications. 

Company Description

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak, with ten production facilities across Canada, US and Mexico, is North America’s leading designer and manufacturer of special trackwork for the railway industry. As the industry’s technology leader, we take pride in providing superior products, excellent customer service and unbeatable engineering design services to our customers. We are committed to bringing innovative solutions, products, and services to our customers across rail freight and transit segments.