Manufacturing Controller at Kinperium-Hiniker LLC – Mankato, Minnesota

Kinperium-Hiniker LLC (Hiniker) is a Minnesota based manufacturer. With roots in the agricultural equipment industry going back to 1970 and continuing today, we know how to build tough, productive, reliable equipment. Hiniker is known for sturdy cultivators, efficient shredders, and niche equipment such as the cover crop seeder and NH3 monitors.

In 1995, Hiniker branched into designing and manufacturing snow removal equipment, which is a trusted tool for many. Hiniker snow and ice equipment is built to enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible. We do this with innovative and purpose-built designs like the Hiniker C-Plow and the Hiniker Scoop Plow. We also manufacture a line of spreaders and skid steer plows. In 2024, we expanded our offerings with the acquisition of Daniels Plows, further strengthening our commitment to high-quality snow removal solutions.

We are seeking a Manufacturing Controller at our facility and located in Mankato, MN.

Manufacturing Controller Job Summary: Position Summary

The Manufacturing Controller is responsible for leading cost accounting, inventory control, and manufacturing financial performance across multiple production facilities. This role ensures accurate standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis while partnering closely with plant leadership and operations to drive efficiency, margin improvement, and cost control.

Duties & Responsibilities

Manufacturing Cost Accounting

• Develop, maintain, and manage standard costing systems for raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead across multiple plants
• Analyze and explain manufacturing variances (material usage, purchase price, labor efficiency, overhead absorption)
• Ensure accurate calculation of cost of goods manufactured (COGM) and cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Support new product costing, make/buy analysis, and pricing decisions

Inventory & Production Control

• Oversee inventory valuation, including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
• Lead physical inventories, cycle counts, and inventory reconciliations at all manufacturing locations
• Monitor inventory reserves, obsolescence, scrap, and rework costs
• Ensure compliance with GAAP/IFRS related to inventory capitalization and absorption costing

Financial Reporting & Close

• Lead month-end close activities related to manufacturing costs, inventory, and plant expenses
• Ensure consistent cost accounting practices and internal controls across all locations
• Prepare consolidated manufacturing cost reports and operational KPIs for leadership
• Support internal and external audits related to inventory and manufacturing accounting

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Lead annual manufacturing budgets and roll forecasts across plants
• Analyze production volumes, capacity utilization, and fixed vs. variable cost behavior
• Partner with operations on labor planning, overtime analysis, and overhead control
• Support capital expenditure analysis, ROI modeling, and post-implementation reviews

Plant & Operational Partnership

• Act as a financial business partner to plant managers, operations, engineering, and supply chain teams
• Provide financial insight on efficiency initiatives, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement projects
• Standardize cost accounting processes, BOMs, routings, and labor standards across plants

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Mentor and support Inventory Controller and their staff.
• Drive ERP accuracy related to BOMs, routings, work centers, and production reporting
• Lead system enhancements and process improvements in cost accounting and manufacturing reporting

Manufacturing Controller Skills and Experience

Experience

• 7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing cost accounting experience
• Multi-plant or multi-location manufacturing experience required

Technical Skills

• Expert knowledge of standard costing, absorption costing, and variance analysis
• Experience with manufacturing ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, NetSuite, Infor, Epicor, or similar)
• Advanced Excel skills: BI/reporting tools experience preferred

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate financial data into operational insights
• Strong communication skills with non-financial stakeholders
• Proven ability to work in fast-paced manufacturing environments

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Inventory accuracy and reduction in inventory variances
• Timeliness and accuracy of manufacturing cost reporting
• Margin improvement Manufacturing Margin
• Reduction in scrap, rework, and unfavorable variances
• Successful audit outcomes

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred)

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.