Plant Accountant​/Controller

Job Description

Since our founding in 1951, Swanson Group has proudly remained a multigenerational, family-owned company. We are committed to fostering a welcome and supportive workplace where every team member is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

At Swanson Group, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, working alongside dedicated employees who share a passion for excellence. We believe in building a culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and long-term success.

Explore our current job openings and discover how you can become a valued member of the Swanson Group family today!

JOB DESCRIPTION

Location: Springfield, Oregon

Reports to: V.P. of Finance / CFO

Hours per shift: 9 hour shift, with two 10-minute breaks and a 1-hour lunch. Overtime may include some nights, weekends, or holidays, as business needs dictate

Wage: Dependent on experience, Salary Exempt

Position

Purpose:

The Plant Accountant / Plant Controller serves as the on-site financial leader and primary business partner to plant operations, responsible for the integrity of financial reporting, operational analysis, internal controls, and decision support for one or more manufacturing facilities.

This role owns the full accounting cycle, provides timely and accurate financial results, and delivers actionable insights to improve profitability, efficiency, and cost control. The position collaborates closely with Plant Management and Corporate Finance to drive process improvements, strengthen internal controls, support system initiatives, and ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards.

Based on experience and demonstrated leadership in manufacturing accounting and plant finance, this position may be titled Plant Controller, reflecting expanded responsibility for financial oversight, strategic partnership, and team leadership.

These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job.

• Lead daily, weekly, monthly, and year-end close processes for assigned manufacturing locations
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, variance reporting, and operational KPIs
• Ensure accuracy of the general ledger, reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Maintain compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies

• Partner with plant management to monitor production performance, labor, inventory, and cost drivers
• Perform standard costing, margin analysis, and manufacturing variance analysis
• Develop tools and dashboards to improve operational visibility and decision-making
• Provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability and efficiency

• Maintain strong internal controls and safeguard company assets
• Oversee intercompany transactions and balance sheet integrity
• Maintain fixed asset and capital project accounting
• Support environmental, regulatory, and reporting requirements (including DEQ/Title V tracking as applicable)

• Act as the primary financial advisor to plant leadership
• Communicate risks, opportunities, and financial trends proactively
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and annual planning processes
• Lead or support cross-functional initiatives and special projects

• Coordinate site support for annual financial statement audits and tax schedules
• Manage non-routine financial tasks and special projects as assigned by Corporate Finance
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis and decision support
• Present a professional, well-groomed appearance in accordance with company office standards

These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential.

Cross-train to back up other office personnel. Tasks may include credit, cash, AP or other general office tasks.

Perform other duties as assigned by Corporate Controller, V.P. of Finance/CFO and other company executives.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required
• Minimum 3+ years of accounting or financial analysis experience required
• Manufacturing accounting experience is strongly preferred (wood products industry a plus)
• ERP experience (Infor M3 or equivalent) preferred
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Primarily office-based (approximately 90–95%) in a climate-controlled professional environment
• Standard office setting with typical lighting, ventilation, and minimal exposure to dust or noise
• Occasional visits to manufacturing and mill environments for operational reviews, inventory observation, or collaboration with plant personnel, which may include exposure to varying temperatures, noise, dust, and moving equipment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate verbally and in writing. The employee frequently sits for extended periods and regularly uses a…