Financial Controller

Our client, a leading global manufacturer with operations spanning multiple continents, is seeking an experienced and business-oriented Financial Controller to join its leadership team. This high-impact role will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, cost accounting, and operational finance while partnering closely with executive leadership to drive profitable growth and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and possesses a strong blend of technical accounting expertise, strategic financial insight, and operational business acumen.

Position Summary

The Financial Controller will be responsible for managing the company's financial operations, ensuring accurate reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, and providing strategic guidance to support business objectives. This individual will lead the accounting and finance team while serving as a key business partner to manufacturing, supply chain, and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute financial strategies that support organizational growth and profitability.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to improve operational performance and business decision-making.
• Support strategic initiatives, capital investments, acquisitions, and expansion opportunities through financial analysis and business case development.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to plant, operational, and commercial leadership teams.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, corporate policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and compliance activities.
• Implement and maintain robust accounting policies, procedures, and controls.

Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance

• Lead all manufacturing cost accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Analyze labor, material, overhead, and production costs to identify opportunities for margin improvement.
• Partner with operations leaders to improve plant performance, productivity, inventory management, and working capital utilization.
• Monitor key manufacturing metrics and provide actionable recommendations to improve financial results.
• Support annual standard cost updates and inventory control procedures.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Direct the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting activities.
• Develop meaningful financial models and performance dashboards.
• Analyze business performance against budget, forecast, and prior periods, identifying key trends and risks.
• Provide executive management with reporting and analysis supporting strategic decision-making.
• Drive continuous improvement in FP&A processes and forecasting accuracy.

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Maintain and strengthen internal control systems to safeguard company assets.
• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements where applicable.
• Identify financial and operational risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead initiatives to improve efficiencies through process optimization and automation.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Promote cross-functional partnerships with operations, procurement, supply chain, HR, and commercial teams.
• Support succession planning and talent development initiatives within the finance organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Strong background in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, and financial reporting.
• Experience managing budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation