Plant Financial Controller
About the Role:
Ferrero Australia is seeking an experienced and driven Industrial Controller to lead financial management at the manufacturing plant. This pivotal role acts as the single point of financial leadership, responsible for cost performance, profitability, and supporting strategic decision-making. As a trusted business partner to the Plant Director and Head of Finance ANZ, the Industrial Controller drives financial discipline, transparency, and long-term cost competitiveness. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping and improving the plant’s cost structure, translating operational performance into financial impact, and ensuring robust financial analysis supports all major decisions.
Main Responsibilities:
- Hold full accountability for industrial cost performance and plant P&L
- Drive cost awareness and accountability across the organization
- Own the plant budget and forecast process, define cost targets, challenge assumptions, and ensure timely, accurate submissions
- Manage controlling and reporting, lead monthly close, variance analysis, and performance reviews
- Translate financial results into actionable insights for plant management
- Support and challenge plant management on performance, profitability, and operational decisions. Lead cost reduction initiatives
- Act as financial gatekeeper for purchases and capital investments, ensuring compliance and measurable ROI
- Oversee financial systems, inventory controls, and stocktake processes
- Ensure robust internal controls, process discipline, and compliance with company policies and legal requirements
About You:
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; professional qualifications highly regarded
- Proven experience as a senior finance representative in a manufacturing or industrial environment (FMCG preferred)
- Strong understanding of financial statements, industrial P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and product costing
- Solid knowledge of industrial cost drivers (labour, scrap, absorption) and internal controls
- Autonomous, analytical, and outcome-oriented leader, able to influence senior stakeholders and work effectively across the organization
- Experience with SAP, Oracle, and HFM systems is an advantage
Our Benefits & Perks:
Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.
About Ferrero:
Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.
DE&I at Ferrero:
Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.