Vice President of Accounting

Our esteemed client in Bergen County, New Jersey is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Vice President, US Controller, to lead their group reporting process for the Area USA. This critical role involves overseeing financial operations, enhancing internal controls, implementing process improvements, and providing strategic financial analysis to support leadership. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, analytical leader with a strong understanding of multinational financial management, capable of ensuring the highest standards of financial performance and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Group Reporting & Financial Oversight:
• Manage and ensure the timely, accurate submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual group reporting, ensuring compliance with Sika’s Controller Handbook. Analyze financial results, identify deviations, and initiate corrective actions to enhance financial accuracy and performance.
• Internal Controls & Procedures:
• Transfer know-how regarding administrative procedures and internal controls across the Area USA. Ensure effective implementation and development of Sika’s Internal Control System (ICS), with a focus on harmonization and continuous improvement.
• Leadership & Development:
• Support the Area Manager and Regional Controller in all financial matters by providing analysis, improvement proposals, and strategic guidance. Lead and mentor the finance team, promoting a culture of excellence in financial management.
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
• Oversee the preparation and coordination of the annual budget and regular forecast processes. Collaborate with leadership teams to ensure that financial targets are realistic, aligned with strategic goals, and accurately communicated.
• Operational Financial Analysis:
• Frequently visit plants and operations across the Area to gain a deeper understanding of local financial performance. Conduct thorough analyses of cost structures, operating margins, and economic efficiency, offering actionable insights for optimization.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Establish and uphold standards of quality, efficiency, and effectiveness in all financial and administrative processes. Foster a continuous improvement mindset, driving the optimization of financial operations and reporting practices.
• Strategic Business Partnering:
• Act as a key strategic partner to senior leadership, offering financial analysis and insights that will drive business growth and financial stability. Contribute to key decision-making processes and align financial strategies with overall business objectives.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of experience in a senior financial management or controller role within a multinational company. A proven track record of successful group reporting, financial analysis, and internal control system implementation is essential.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. A CPA, MBA, or equivalent advanced certification is highly preferred.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong leadership capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and influence cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional analytical and financial skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial results and provide actionable insights.
• Strong understanding of multinational financial processes, internal controls, and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with senior management and other departments.
• Proactive, entrepreneurial, and competitive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic business environment and adapt to changing circumstances.
• A systematic, precise, and innovative approach to financial management.

Ascendo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability