Group Business Controller

Overview of the Role

Exciting opportunity reporting to the CFO and managing all aspects of a global accounting team, US, the EU and Asia. Functional responsibilities encompass general accounting, ERP systems management and managing the FP&A group. Daily work will include corporate accounting, month-end financial reporting, as well as development of internal control accounting policies and procedures. Moreover, the individual must be a coach and mentor, comfortable multi-tasking and working at a granular level to build and create global process improvements throughout the organization's worldwide operations. Role will have five (5) direct reports that are managers and will require some international travel.

Key Responsibilities

Manage all accounting functions including the supervision of the month-end close processes, maintaining the chart of accounts, preparing account reconciliations on a timely basis, ensuring accounting of project financial reporting:

• Oversee the global activities of the accounting team managing Acc/Pay, Acc/Rec, and General Accounting financial reporting. Must ensure accurate and timely dissemination of financial management reports including, but not limited to, internal and external monthly financial statements and annual audits.
• Maintain formal workflow documentation and escalation procedures to ensure financial operational controls are in place while maintaining streamlined processes and proper segregation of duties.
• Works closely with the Director of FP&A in the formulation of financial accounting strategies for the organization; monitoring ongoing performance against the objectives by identifying incipient problems and initiating appropriate financial corrective action to keep the company on budget plan.
• Manage regulatory compliance with US & foreign governments and IFIR reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Ensure the selection, development, motivation, and retention of current direct reports and maintain qualified financial accounting staff to effectively carry out managing the company’s accounting systems and records.
• Manage the year-end external audit process and tax reporting functions; collaborating with external auditors and maintaining all supporting information requested in response to questions on a timely basis.

Critical Competencies for Success

• Developing a core competency in the development and management of an unambiguous, seamless operating and financial reporting structure is critical. Comfortable working in a global, multicutural environment
• Have ability to leverage operating knowledge and finance skills to effectively generate fresh thinking, innovative approaches and superior performance from the business is critical.
• Business Building and Strategic Planning Capability: A proven track record of using financial analysis to generate growth and reduce costs is vital. The individual must have a history of challenging business assumptions, removing costs, driving innovation, and raising performance standards.
• Should exhibit excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, can make a tangible difference in the organization's performance and reputation. This includes the ability to mentor, collaborate, coach and lead as the situation requires. An acknowledged reputation for intelligent, strong, and decisive leadership within an organization as a result of high integrity, intellectual clarity and a passion for excellence are essential.
• A resourceful, action-oriented individual who possesses a keen sense of urgency and who knows how to overcome obstacles to get things done in a timely fashion.
• Persuasive and self-confident, with the personality skills to interact effectively with their colleagues, team members and senior management.
• A high-impact, low-ego leader who thrives in a team setting, motivated by the advancement of the organization, as well as representing a strong role model and mentor to their teammates.
• A practical and direct individual whose ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, simply, and convincingly can help to determine what impact the financial implications of operational and strategic decisions and events have upon the company.
• Possesses high emotional intelligence - solves problems, coaches others, and takes decisive action to rectify issues.

Professional Qualifications

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive accounting experience preferably through public and private accounting.
• Experience in a Controllership role in a public company with international operations
• BA/BS in Accounting from an accredited school
• CPA or CMA desired
• ERP, FP&A and BI experience
• Experience with preparing international consolidating financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Experience with general ledger functions and the month-end / year end close process
• Significant hands-on experience with current ERP systems