Assistant Plant Controller

Job Summary

The Assistant Plant Controller role at Harley-Davidson is a finance leadership position embedded directly within manufacturing operations, where you act as both a financial expert and a strategic partner to plant leadership. Rather than simply reporting numbers, you analyze plant performance, identify cost drivers, and translate financial data into clear, actionable recommendations that improve efficiency and profitability. You lead budgeting and forecasting processes, oversee month-end close and reporting accuracy, and help guide decisions around labor, production, inventory, and capital investments. Success in the role depends on your ability to connect financial insights to real operational outcomes, influence cross-functional teams, and drive continuous improvement across the plant.

Job Responsibilities

Financial Management & Analysis
•    Provide comprehensive financial analysis with a strong focus on understanding plant operations and cost drivers 
•    Analyze and interpret financial results, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement 
•    Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights and recommend next steps to leadership 
Planning & Forecasting
•    Lead the development and coordination of annual budgets and ongoing forecasts for operating expenses, labor, and headcount 
•    Own and streamline forecasting and budgeting processes for the Tomahawk plants 
Operational Partnership
•    Build strong relationships with plant leadership, team leaders, and production staff to align financial and operational objectives 
•    Support evaluation of new business opportunities, capital investments, and continuous improvement initiatives 
•    Drive and monitor cost savings initiatives to meet current and future financial targets 
Reporting & Performance Metrics
•    Develop and maintain dashboards and reports that clearly communicate financial performance 
•    Prepare and present key performance metrics, including labor, production volume, and inventory 
•    Guide operations teams in understanding and effectively using financial data 
Month-End Close & Controls
•    Lead month-end close processes, including journal entries, expense analysis, and cost of sales development 
•    Ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of financial data 
•    Support internal and external audits and maintain appropriate documentation 
•    Develop and enhance procedures and controls to ensure accurate product costing and inventory management 
Leadership & Development
•    Influence cross-functional teams and promote financial accountability across operations 
•    Serve as a champion for continuous improvement and innovation 
Additional Responsibilities
•    Participate in special projects, ad hoc analysis, and other duties as assigned 

Education Requirements

Education Specifications

• This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is Required. A CPA or equivalent is desired.

Experience Requirements

Experience & Qualifications
•    Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience 
•    Experience in a manufacturing environment required 
•    Strong knowledge of accounting principles, including general ledger and balance sheet, as well as cost accounting
•    Demonstrated leadership experience, including influencing cross-functional teams 
•    Experience developing and delivering operational financial reports 

Skills & Competencies
•    Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends and develop actionable recommendations 
•    Ability to communicate financial information clearly to all levels of the organization 
•    High attention to detail with the ability to maintain a broader strategic perspective 
•    Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset 
•    Excellent organizational and time management skills 
•    Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, evolving environment 
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and ERP systems; SAP experience preferred