Corporate Controller

Our client is a private equity-backed, equipment manufacturer, with multiple sites in the USA. They are seeking a Corporate Controller to join their growing business in Lexington, KY.

The new Controller will be the right hand to the Chief Financial Officer and will play a critical role in driving financial excellence and operational efficiency. They will lead efforts to modernize financial processes, enhance internal controls, implement best practices and processes in key accounting functions, optimize cash management, and support management of third-party tax providers to support the company’s continued growth. This leader will ensure there is a strong and sustainable accounting function, lead M&A accounting integrations, and support important systems implementations. With a strong foundation in both corporate accounting, manufacturing cost accounting, and strategic financial leadership, the Corporate Controller will play an important role in shaping the future of a company with a long and well-respected legacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Build a High Performing Finance Organization

• Assess the Accounting team, processes, and capabilities, to identify strengths and gaps, and opportunities to leverage these strengths and fill the gaps, building a strong and motivated team
• Strengthen the Cost Accounting capability including adding resource(s), improving manufacturing cost accounting processes, integrating with FP&A monthly cost accounting site reviews, and ultimately deliver real time reporting to plants/sites
• Establish and foster team culture of high engagement and commitment and a desire to meet/exceed goals
• Support transition to Planful consolidation system by end of Q1, and establish process workflow and dynamic calendar with clear milestones and deadlines, ensuring internal alignment, transparency, and compliance
• Ensure on-time/on budget “successful” annual audit

Drive Improvement in Key Processes & Systems

• Support roll-out of Delegation of Authority (e.g., workflow, templates) and educate business on requirements, processes and tools
• Maintain consolidated and entity-level financial records using generally accepted accounting principals
• Establish and execute control frameworks, including account reconciliations, journal entry reviews, etc.
• Document close process (checklist, roles & responsibilities, timing) and execute plan to drive significant productivity improvement by achieving a 4-day close; identify and reduce/remove bottlenecks
• Develop and implement consistent accounting policies (e.g., AR, AP, purchasing, inventory, accruals, capitalization, treasury) and improve fixed asset tracking and management process
• Leverage automation to improve process efficiency (e.g., ACH payments, AR/AP, 3-way match)
• Cash management & credit reporting
• Modernize financial operations and reporting processes for lender and private equity sponsor

Manage Tax Strategy & Compliance

• Manage third-party tax compliance resources/transition to new tax provision service provider
• Lead bi-weekly tax meetings with Private Equity Sponsor.

Lead M&A Accounting Integration

• Assess Accounting organizational readiness for acquisitions and lead post-merger integration including accounting reporting/PPA and driving delivery of expected synergies
• Develop and implement an Accounting integration Playbook for new acquisitions including organization/processes/systems/capabilities

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 10 – 15 years of experience in accounting and finance roles, having built high performing accounting functions including driving efficient close processes, ensuring strong controls, leveraging automation where possible required (e.g., ACH, AR/AP)
• Experience in multi-site manufacturing companies with a solid cost accounting foundation, coupled with corporate accounting experience required
• Excellent communications skills – verbal and written
• Relatability with leaders and team members across the organization; skilled at business partnering
• Proven track record managing successful audits
• General understanding of Tax; has owned relationship with tax advisors
• Experience operating in a private equity environment highly preferred
• Public accounting experience preferred
• CPA preferred
• Treasury and Risk Management experience is preferred
• Insurance experience is a plus

CORE COMPETENCIES & QUALITIES

• Rolls up their sleeves – isn’t afraid to jump into the detail and work with others to problem solve
• Action oriented and executes with a sense of urgency, with a focus on seeing projects and tasks through to completion on time and on budget
• Knows what “Good Looks Like” and brings best practices in process and systems
• Experienced in building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of continuous improvement