Divisional Financial Controller

Our client, a prominent organization in the automotive manufacturing sector, is recruiting a Controller to lead financial operations for one of its U.S. divisions. Serving as a strategic partner to the General Manager, this role operates as the plant’s CFO and is responsible for driving the division’s financial performance and oversight.Position Overview and Responsibilities:Responsible for the entire financial function at the plant, including cash and back, account receivable, inventory, capital assets, accounts payable, inter-company transactions and other related accruals and receivables.Responsible for the review of the monthly reconciliation binder that provides support for all balance sheet accounts.Ensures compliance of the Corporate reporting requirements on weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual basis ensuring compliance with Company accounting policies and procedures.Responsible party for One Stream reporting (Month-End) and completed bridges on results. (Actuals/FC and Budget)Review standard and non-standard journal entries each month.Meet all deadline requirements related to close schedule. Preliminary results at EOD on 3rd business day and final numbers EOD 4.Create a system whereby an accurate forecast can be prepared and submitted to Corporate as required.Review and communicate weekly changes, to the approved prior forecast, to both the General Manager as well as to the Corporate Business Unit Team.Prepare the annual budget for the plant by leading the entire budget process (BS and P&L).Work with all departments heads and GM to develop the 5-year annual budget for the plant.Collaborate with the GM to ensure budget changes, cost savings initiatives and new or lost business awards are correctly captured in the budget.Implement and maintain internal controls at the plant to ensure compliance with the Bill 198 requirements.Proactively provide continuous improvement ideas relating to both financial and production processes.Work closely with departmental heads to identify any inefficiencies in processes and potential cost saving initiatives including freight costs savings, outsourced production parts savings, improvements in inventory management, reduced scrap and develop and lead projects to ensure timely realization of the identified costs savings. (Profit Plus)Review accounts receivable aging each month and proactively follow-up on collections issues with subordinates.Lead financial person on all external audits providing all the required supporting reconciliations and documentation, ensuring that no audit adjustments are identified during the audit.Provide all the necessary information to the internal audit department during their audit and immediately address any concerns that are identified.Thoroughly understand all capital spending projects prior to submitting to Corporate for review and approval, including payback calculations. Collect and review all information required for capital requests, ensuring all local approval has been received.Assist with the physical inventory counts and inventory valuation.Complete performance appraisals for subordinates ensuring continuous development of staff.Provide support and contribute to the quality and environmental requirements and regulations as well as the implementation and maintenance of Company Manufacturing Systems at the plant.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in accounting or financeCompletion of a recognized Account Designation preferred (CPA, CA)A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in a decentralized manufacturing environment with Manufacturing Ops Accounting/Finance; automotive experience is preferred.Proven leadership and problem-solving skills.An independent critical thinker who displays attention to detailExcellent organizational, interpersonal and time management skills with the ability to multi-taskExperience in working in an AS400 environment (CMS or Epicor experience is preferred)Advanced knowledge of Excel and other MS office suiteWorking knowledge of Bill 198 internal control preferred (SOX knowledge required)Critical Success Factors:Abide by all Company policies including but not limited to the following: Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental Systems, Human Resources policies, and the CompanyProven self-starter, who requires limited supervision and direction, yet achieves tasks and overcomes problems and provides effective direction and development for staff.Adopts an active approach and a perpetual willingness to get personally involved in order to increase the pace and efficiency and achieve departmental, plant and Company goals and objectives.Consistently thinking beyond the borders of finance to help create a culture of continuous improvement.Embraces the challenge of problem solving and identifying and implementing well thought through practical solutions.Working ConditionsOffice environment and plant floor.Effort/Physical DemandsDesk work.Constant communication with employees, peers, management, suppliers and customers.Overtime as required.Health and Safety ResponsibilitiesMust work in accordance with Health and Safety regulations, Company rules, plant rules, and policies and procedures.Must use or wear equipment, protective devices or certain clothing as required.Back-up Duties:Perform other duties as required