Plant Controller

What to Expect

As an innovation leader, we look for ambitious, forward thinking, open-minded and well-rounded individuals to join our global team. Located in our Red Bay, AL plant, you will be a Controller

The Plant Controller is responsible for leading all financial operations within the facility, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting while maintaining compliance with corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.

As a key member of the plant leadership team, the Controller partners closely with Operations and senior leadership to drive financial performance, support strategic decision-making, and enhance profitability through insightful analysis and disciplined financial management. This individual plays a critical role in optimizing cost structure, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening overall financial performance within the site.

Key Responsibilities (to name a few)

Own full responsibility for the plant’s Profit & Loss (P&L) and Balance Sheet, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting

Lead month-end close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement preparation

Drive annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes, including labor, overhead, and standard cost modeling

Provide clear, data-driven financial insights and performance metrics to support plant leadership and Corporate Finance

Partner cross-functionally with Operations and Engineering to support capital project evaluation, investment decisions, and ROI analysis

Analyze performance to plan, identifying opportunities to improve cost control, efficiency, and overall plant performance

Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and SOX requirements

Oversee plant-level financial operations, including cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable, and fixed asset management

Support continuous improvement initiatives by tracking financial impact and driving accountability across the site

Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering strong engagement, capability building, and succession planning

About You

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field required

8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including manufacturing or plant finance (cost accounting required)

Experience driving change and adapting to a dynamic, fast-paced business environment

Strong understanding of accounting principles, internal controls, and SOX compliance processes

Proven experience with standard cost accounting and financial analysis in a manufacturing environment

Experience with ERP systems (Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar) strongly preferred

Effective communication skills, including the ability to present financial data to senior leadership

Experience supporting global initiatives and cross-functional collaboration preferred

Experience with acquisitions or integration activities is a plus

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship

Pay & Benefits

Full-Time

Bonus Eligible

Relocation is provided

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance and other voluntary benefit options: benefits begin on the first day of the month immediately following your date of hire

Eligible for 3 weeks of paid vacation + 11 holidays (9 scheduled & 2 floating) + 8 sick days. All vacation days are accrued

401(k): 3% company contribution and additional 3% company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Why Gates?

Founded in 1911 in Denver, Colorado, Gates is publicly traded on the NYSE. While we might operate in a vast amount of time zones we operate as 'One Gates' and have a common goal of pushing the boundaries of materials science. We invest in our people, bringing real-world experience that enables us to solve our customers' diverse challenges of today and anticipate those of tomorrow.

Work Environment

Gates is an Equal Opportunity and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, age, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any other consideration defined by law. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands and fingers to work with objects, tools, or controls; and use office equipment including computers, telephones, and/or copiers/scanners. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in Colorado, Gates is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. This compensation range is specific to the State of Colorado and takes into account various factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role.