Plant Controller

Location: Avon Lake, OH

Travel: up to 30%, primarily to Bowling Green, OH
Job Type: Full-time. Collaborate in person 4 days each week, with 1 flexible day.

Shape the Future with Us.

At Lubrizol, we’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact—on your career, your community, and the world around you.

How You’ll Make an Impact

As a Senior Plant Controller, you'll collaborate with a diverse group of passionate individuals to deliver sustainable solutions to advance mobility, improve wellbeing, and enhance modern life. In this role, you will:

• Provide financial leadership and support to plant management, engineering, and production teams.
• Prepare and present detailed financial analyses and reports to senior management.
• Monitor and manage plant costs, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of absorption accounting processes.
• Utilize SAP to streamline financial processes and enhance reporting capabilities.
• Lead and mentor finance professionals, providing guidance and development opportunities.
• Responsible for monthly financial closing and reporting for multiple sites in compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Review and analyze production variances, purchase price variances, and inventory adjustments monthly.
• Report and communicate key plant financials and performance metrics through public reports and personal communication.
• Lead the annual operating expense budget process and complete forecasting requirements; establish annual labor and overhead rates; assist with the annual capital budgeting process.
• Ensure that internal controls and measures on spending, production, working capital, and fixed assets are in place and function appropriately while safeguarding company assets.
• Conduct inventory reporting and control, cycle counting, and annual physical inventory.
• Calculate inventory costs accurately by conducting routine review and analysis of standard costs, including the costing of new products throughout the month.
• Collaborating with plant staff, engineering, and relevant functional teams to develop and refresh five-year capital and cost out plans for sites under job scope
• Participate in 3rd party inventory and process audits as part of internal control testing

Required Qualifications that Enable Your Success

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in finance or accounting roles, with at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven self-starter with a desire to achieve; strong team focus.
• Strong computer skills, especially Microsoft Office.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Ability to work with a broad range of internal customers ranging from plant management, plant engineering, and production operators.
• Experience using SAP in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications that Drive You Forward

• CPA and/or MBA.
• Familiarity with absorption accounting principles.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with zero-based budgeting initiatives.

Your Work Environment
At Lubrizol, we’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards
  
  

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Benefits that Empower You

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement

Learn more at benefits.lubrizol.com!

Lubrizol: Imagined for Life. Enabled by Science. ™ Delivered by You.

For nearly 100 years, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Berkshire Hathaway company, has been at the forefront of innovation to enhance everyday life, advance mobility, and make the modern world work better. Our specialty chemistry solutions—from engine oils, performance coatings, and skincare to medical devices and plumbing systems —are powered by the expertise, passion, and commitment of people like you.

We tackle the world’s toughest challenges with science-based solutions, deeply understanding our customers to deliver innovative chemistry and differentiated value. Our inclusive culture, dedication to safety, and incredible global talent drive our success. Our solutions meet the evolving needs of the modern world—brought to life by science and, most importantly, delivered by you.

Whether you're in the lab, on the production floor, or in the office, you'll be part of a team around the world that empowers you to think boldly, drive results, and contribute to solutions that shape a better, more sustainable future. 

We win because of you. Let’s build the future together.

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