Plant Controller
Ascend Elements is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered greenhouse gas emissions. The results are lower cost, better performing batteries, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. This closed-loop process also allows for fewer end-of-life batteries being discarded in landfills. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.
Ascend Elements is currently experiencing growth and therefore is seeking an experienced Plant Controller to join our accounting team in Hopkinsville, KY. The Plant Controller is responsible for providing financial support to the Manufacturing facility to enhance profitability through detailed understanding and review of plant costs. The Controller will leverage finance tools and processes to drive clarity of results to influence operations leadership. Individual will create or sustain a strong controls environment with focus on accurately representing plant costs, assets and liabilities and leverage this strong understanding of the accounting model and create opportunities for cost improvement s and higher returns on plant assets.
Essential Job Duties:
• Responsible for the accuracy of the standard costs starting with the bill of materials and item costs, labor routings, labor rates, as well as overhead assignments.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures for month-end close to ensure that all required journal entries are prepared and posted to the general ledger for the plant.• Reports variances to set standards in a manner that supervisors and managers can understand and takes corrective action. Accountable for the performance of the plant, explaining all production variances on a weekly / monthly basis as well as participating in proactive measures to reduce variances from standard cost.
• Analyzes and models changes in product design, raw materials, overhead, manufacturing methods, etc., for effects on production costs.
• Analyze and report manufacturing efficiency variances and determine corrective action requirements. Ensures items are correctly classified and all reporting is prepared in accordance with GAAP.
• Assists with estimating, tracking, and reporting costs associated with new product development and contract manufacturing partners.
• May serve as technical resource to others in the resolution of complex problems, and orient, train, assign, mentor, and review the work of others. Acts as subject matter expert in understanding and interpreting accounting principles.
• Review capital expenditure requests and prepare ROI analysis, as needed.
• Reviews control procedures over accounting and financial activities. Provides guidance to ensure that internal accounting controls are in place to protect company assets. Ensures an adequate system of internal control is maintained, and that general ledger accounts are correctly stated, maintains SOX compliance.
• Provides independent oversight of inventory management to ensure accurate physical levels and alignment with the accounting systems and reported amounts.
• Supports the plant, division, and corporate leadership and collaborates with other departments on the execution of company strategies and attainment of company/plant goals.
• Support tax compliance, including preparing and submitting transfer pricing schedules and other analysis, as required.
• May perform other duties as required.
Scope of Responsibility:
• Independent; works under only minimal instructions and expected to determine how to accomplish the work assignments.
• Carries out with appreciable latitude for actions and decisions all aspects of difficult projects that are broad in nature and require originality and/or ingenuity.
• This job has limited supervisory responsibilities but does act in a lead role.
Education and Skill Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Masters Preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in a manufacturing environment at the facility level; 10+ years total accounting experience.
• Good working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Good understanding of process standard cost accounting.
• Must have a proven record of success as a strategically oriented financial manager with knowledge of cost accounting, production planning and operations analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to seek resources as needed.
• Collaborative interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Results-oriented focus and approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and Access).
• SAP (Cloud 4/Hana) and Power BI Experience preferred.
• Ability to drive process improvement.
• Very strong organizational and business process skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and work independently on a variety of assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to accurately determine deadlines.
• Must understand process flows and have an above average understanding of process capabilities within their facilities.
• CPA or CMA is preferred
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Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
