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Area Controller - PS&F

TOPPAN Packaging · Franklin Park, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time your analysis changed an operational decision at a plant.

What they are checking: Whether they act as a real business partner whose numbers shape decisions, not just a reporter after the fact.

You report to a Sr Area Controller and lead staff at multiple locations. How do you manage people you rarely see in person?

What they are checking: Practical habits for remote leadership, like regular check-ins, clear expectations and fair feedback across sites.

Tell me about a process improvement you made in accounting that saved real time or reduced errors.

What they are checking: Evidence that they improve finance processes rather than simply running them the way they found them.

How do you explain cost of goods sold movements to a plant team in a way that gets them to act?

What they are checking: Whether they can translate accounting results into operating terms people on the floor can influence.

What would you do

A plant manager wants to delay recognizing a write-off until next quarter. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Integrity on accounting judgments when an operating leader is pressuring them to make results look better.

A corporate policy doesn't fit how one plant actually operates. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they enforce policy while raising legitimate concerns through the right channels rather than quietly ignoring it.

About the work

You'd oversee financial reporting across three manufacturing sites with staff spread between them. How would you keep the close consistent and on time?

What they are checking: Whether they can standardize close calendars, reconciliations and reviews across sites with different people and habits.

Walk me through how you'd investigate a large unfavorable manufacturing variance at one plant.

What they are checking: Whether they break variances into price, usage, labor and overhead and trace them back to what happened on the floor.

How do you build a forecast for a plant whose volume depends on a few large customers?

What they are checking: Ability to build driver-based forecasts that account for customer concentration and demand swings.

What internal controls matter most to you in a plant setting, and how do you test them?

What they are checking: Whether they know where plant risk sits, such as inventory, scrap, payroll and capital spending, and verify controls work.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by TOPPAN Packaging.

TOPPAN Packaging Americas specializes in designing and manufacturing sustainable, high-performance flexible and thermoformed packaging solutions for the food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high barrier films, pouches, clamshells and trays, utilizing advanced technology to enhance product safety, visibility and environmental sustainability. TOPPAN Packaging Americas operates as part of the global TOPPAN group, with 22 manufacturing facilities across North America, Latin America and Europe. Want to learn more? Visit us at packaging.toppan.com Summary Description: The Area Controller is a key leadership role within the Accounting & Finance team, responsible for overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, cost accounting, and internal controls across multiple manufacturing sites (3). This role involves managing accounting functions, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, and financial analysis to support operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. The Area Controller will work closely with plant managers, finance teams, and senior leadership to drive financial performance and ensure adherence to corporate policies and procedures. This position will report to the Sr Area Controller and will have members of staff located across multiple manufacturing locations. What you’ll be doing: • Oversee and manage the financial operations within the assigned area, including accounting, budgeting/forecasting, and financial reporting. • Ensure accurate and timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial close processes. • Perform and document monthly review and reconciliation of Balance Sheet. • Evaluate system driven reports, ensuring financial accuracy for all plant processes. • Prepare and present financial reports and analysis to leadership. • Analyze business trends and provide guidance to Operational Leads in efforts to improve overall financial results. • Lead in the preparation of monthly and quarterly forecasts, as well as annual budgets, engaging Operations & Sales resources; documenting variances and providing analysis as necessary. • Provide financial support for all ad-hoc projects and presentations. • Review Standard Cost and update accordingly on a quarterly and yearly basis. • Maintain and enforce strong internal controls, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. • Coordinate with internal and external auditors to facilitate audits and ensure accurate financial reporting. • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance financial efficiency and accuracy. • Lead, mentor, and develop accounting staff within the assigned area to foster professional growth through a collaborative and high-performance culture. Position can be located out Franklin Park, IL Facility or will consider Charlotte, NC (South End Area) We’d love to hear from you if: • Minimum of 5 years of experience in Manufacturing (Plant accounting and financial closing). • Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance, or related field.; MBA and/or CMA/CPA designation preferred. • Strong leadership and team management abilities. • Understanding of manufacturing processes and main drivers of financial results. • Excellent computer skills; with proficiency in Microsoft office products, D365, IQMS, and Onestream. • High attention to detail and accuracy. • Effective communication and interpersonal skills. • Highly motivated, self-starter with hands-on approach. • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support our employees’ overall wellbeing. This includes competitive pay, robust benefits, and programs that help you thrive both personally and professionally. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary based on your work location, employment classification, or collective bargaining agreement . Benefits • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options • 401(k) retirement plan with company match • Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services • Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family • Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance • Tuition reimbursement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. We also provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment processes. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.

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