Plant Controller

Hays

Your New Company

Hays Senior Finance & Accounting is proud to be partnering with a global manufacturing organisation in the appointment of a Plant Controller. With a strong international footprint and a well-established Australian operation, this business combines the stability and resources of a multinational organisation with the influence and visibility of a local leadership team. This is an opportunity to join a market-leading manufacturer and become a key member of the senior leadership group, partnering with both local and international stakeholders across the wider business.

Your New Role

Reporting to the Senior Director Finance – EMEA & APAC, with a matrix reporting line to the Managing Director, the Plant Controller will lead all finance activities for the Australian operation.

This is a highly visible role that combines strategic business partnering with hands-on operational finance leadership.

Key responsibilities include

  • Acting as the financial leader for the Australian manufacturing operation
  • Owning the full P&L, including margin, cost and cashflow performance
  • Leading budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting processes
  • Delivering commercial insights and recommendations to support business performance
  • Driving cost optimisation, productivity improvements and working capital initiatives
  • Managing costing accuracy, inventory valuation and operational finance processes
  • Partnering closely with operations, engineering and leadership teams
  • Leading and developing a small finance team
  • Managing local audit requirements and ensuring timely resolution of audit findings
  • Ensuring compliance with financial controls, statutory requirements, tax obligations and corporate governance frameworks
  • Supporting continuous improvement initiatives across finance and operations

What You'll Need to Succeed

  • CPA qualified with a degree in Finance or Accounting
  • Previous experience as a Plant Controller, Financial Controller, Finance Manager or similar leadership role
  • Manufacturing experience strongly preferred
  • Strong expertise across cost accounting, inventory management and operational finance
  • Proven experience leading teams and partnering with operational stakeholders
  • Experience reporting to offshore stakeholders within a multinational environment
  • Strong budgeting, forecasting and reporting capability
  • Experience managing audits, compliance and financial controls
  • Advanced ERP systems and Excel skills
  • Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills

What You'll Get in Return

  • Senior leadership position within a global manufacturing organisation
  • Full ownership of plant finance and commercial performance
  • Direct exposure to local and international leadership teams
  • Opportunity to influence operational performance and business strategy
  • Broad role spanning financial control, business partnering and operational improvement
  • Stable and growing organisation with strong international backing

What You Need to Do Now

If you're interested in this role, click 'Apply Now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV to ***email_hidden*** or contact Amy McCusker at Hays Senior Finance on 07 3243 3078 for a confidential discussion.

If this role isn't quite right for you, but you're considering a career move, please contact us for a confidential discussion regarding your future opportunities.