Plant Controller

Job description

This is where your work makes a difference. At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond. Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results. Here, you will find more than just a job—you will find purpose and pride.  Your role at Baxter The Plant Controller serves as the senior financial leader for our Batesville manufacturing facility, overseeing the full end‑to‑end supply chain financials and supporting the associated distribution entity. As a key member of the site leadership team, this role partners closely with the Plant Manager and operational leaders to drive performance, strengthen internal controls, and ensure financial accuracy across a $291M value of production and $97M inventory base with a workforce of 335 direct and 184 indirect employees. The Plant Controller provides strategic financial direction, leads budgeting and forecasting, drives cost optimization, and ensures compliance with corporate and statutory requirements. Operating within a global matrix, this role collaborates with Baxter’s Finance COE, FPA, and FP&A teams. This is an onsite role based in Batesville, IN. What you’ll be doing • Lead all financial operations for the plant, including month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close, ensuring accuracy across inventory, standard costing, and COGS. • Serve as the primary financial partner to the Plant Manager and site leadership, shaping financial strategy and influencing operational decision‑making. • Oversee all aspects of plant costing, including standard cost updates, variance analysis, overhead allocation, and inventory control. • Lead the annual operating plan (AOP), quarterly forecasts, long‑range planning, and financial modeling for capital projects and productivity initiatives. • Analyze manufacturing performance metrics (labor, scrap, yield, PPV, overhead) and partner with operations to drive improvements. • Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with corporate policies, SOX requirements, and local statutory regulations. • Champion process automation, digital reporting tools, and standardization across plant finance processes. • Coach and develop plant leaders on financial literacy while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. What you’ll bring • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field; MBA, CMA, or CPA preferred. • 7+ years of progressive finance or accounting experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment. • Strong expertise in standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing finance. • Proven ability to influence and partner with operational leaders in a complex, matrixed organization. • Demonstrated success driving process improvements, operational efficiency, and financial accuracy. • Excellent communication skills with the ability to present insights clearly and challenge constructively. • Proficiency with ERP systems (JDE, SAP, Oracle, or similar) and advanced Excel/financial modeling capabilities. • A leadership mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities, build trust, and drive change across teams. We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $112,000 -$154,000. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position is also eligible for discretionary bonuses and long-term incentive. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico) This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical