Plant Controller

BerryDunn is assisting our client, Nichols Portland, Inc. to find an experienced Plant Controller to serve as the lead finance partner for our Portland and South Portland, ME manufacturing facilities. Reporting to the Finance Director – Operations, this role is a key member of the leadership team, providing financial insights that drive operational excellence, business performance, and strategic growth.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll not only ensure accurate accounting and compliance with GAAP, but also act as a business partner, bringing data, analysis, and recommendations to plant leadership to influence decision-making and drive results.

For more than 85 years, Nichols has been pioneering innovation in fluid power and fluid transfer solutions. As the world’s first manufacturer of gerotors and gerotor pumps, they bring unmatched expertise in design, manufacturing, testing, and validation. Beyond their leadership in pump technology, they are a diversified metal-forming technology company serving a global customer base with powdered metal, billet, and additive manufacturing (3D metal printing), along with high-precision valve assemblies.  Their success is built on combining technical expertise with innovation to deliver customized solutions across industries—and they are looking for talented people to help shape what comes next.

• Lead all financial activities for the plants, including monthly/annual close, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Partner with operations and plant leadership to provide analytics, insights, and actionable recommendations.
• Develop and manage budgets and forecasts; analyze variances and trends to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee and improve standard costing, inventory controls, and production cost accuracy.
• Conduct proactive cost and trend analysis to guide operational and strategic decisions.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all financial data and ERP transactions (Plex experience a plus).
• Drive accountability and best practices in financial and operational processes across the facilities.
• Support audits, ROI analyses, and business case justifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align financial performance with business goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years of manufacturing cost accounting experience.
• Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, and operational finance.
• Expertise in inventory controls and manufacturing financial transactions.
• Advanced Excel skills; ERP experience required (Plex strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and present financial data to non-finance stakeholders.
• Team player with the confidence and communication skills to influence and collaborate at all levels.

At Nichols, you’ll find more than a job—you’ll find an opportunity to make a measurable impact in a company that values innovation, precision, and continuous improvement. As Plant Controller, you’ll be at the center of shaping financial discipline and operational success in two key facilities while growing your own leadership and career potential.

                                                                                                                                                         EOE