Plant Controller - Costa Rica-Alajuela at Cardinal Health

Job description

Summary of the Job We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Plant Controller to lead the finance function for our manufacturing operations in Costa Rica . The Plant Controller serves as a key business partner to the Plant Leadership Team, providing financial leadership, operational decision support, and oversight of all accounting, costing, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and internal control activities. This role is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, driving operational performance through insightful analysis, and supporting business growth through strong financial stewardship. The ideal candidate will bring a combination of manufacturing finance expertise, strong leadership capabilities, operational business acumen, and a continuous improvement mindset. This position works closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Commercial teams, and Corporate Finance to deliver financial results and maintain a robust control environment. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates. Job Description · Serve as the finance leader and strategic business partner for the Costa Rica manufacturing site, supporting operational performance, cost management, and business growth. · Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes and ensure accurate financial reporting in compliance with corporate policies and accounting standards. · Manage general accounting, cost accounting, product costing, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and fixed asset accounting. · Partner with Operations to analyze manufacturing performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive cost reduction initiatives. · Lead the annual budget, forecasting, and long-range planning processes, providing actionable insights into risks and opportunities. · Ensure strong internal controls, SOX compliance, audit readiness, and adherence to local regulatory requirements. · Oversee inventory control processes, including cycle counts, physical inventories, reconciliations, and reserve management. · Support capital investment decisions through financial modeling and business case analysis. · Lead, coach, and develop the site finance team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. · Drive process improvements and leverage financial systems and analytics to enhance reporting accuracy, operational efficiency, and business performance. Required Work Experience · Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required. CPA, CA, CMA, ACCA, or equivalent professional accounting certification strongly preferred. · Minimum of 8 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, including at least 5 years supporting manufacturing operations. · Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience managing or developing finance teams. · Advanced written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish. · Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g. SAP, BPCS, or similar) and strong understanding of inventory controls and manufacturing processes. · Knowledge of U.S. GAAP / IFRS and all aspects of corporate accounting. · Strong experience in: o Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) o General accounting and financial reporting o Cost accounting and product costing o Budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis o Inventory accounting and manufacturing finance o Internal controls and SOX compliance · Proven ability to partner with operations and influence decision-making across multiple levels of the organization. · Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business partnering skills. · Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial analysis capabilities. · Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Preferred (Plus) Qualifications · Prior experience with a Big Four accounting firm (Deloitte, PwC, EY, or KPMG), particularly in audit or advisory roles supporting manufacturing clients. · MBA or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Admini