Business Unit Controller

A global manufacturer of highly engineered equipment is seeking an experienced Business Unit Controller to lead the accounting and financial activities for multiple business units. This is a highly visible role with direct exposure to the CFO, Corporate Controller, and global finance leadership, while also working closely with the operational and commercial sides of the business.

The Business Unit Controller will oversee the accounting and reporting for three business units and provide leadership to two talented accounting professionals. In addition to owning the monthly close and financial reporting process, this individual will play an important role in budgeting, forecasting, project accounting, profitability analysis, and supporting key business decisions.

This is a hands-on Controller role for someone who enjoys being close to the business. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable digging into accounting details, analyzing the financial performance of major projects, and partnering with Sales, Operations, Engineering, Procurement, and other functional leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting and financial reporting activities for three business units, ensuring the accuracy of P&L and balance sheet results.
• Own the monthly close process and ensure timely and accurate reporting in accordance with corporate and global reporting requirements.
• Prepare and present monthly financial results, variance analysis, quarterly forecasts, and annual budgets to divisional and global leadership.
• Oversee project accounting, including percentage-of-completion revenue recognition, work-in-progress reporting, and project profitability.
• Monitor the financial performance of significant projects, including actual costs versus budget, forecasted results, margins, and anticipated project outcomes.
• Partner closely with Sales and Operations on sales forecasting, backlog reporting, margin analysis, and customer and product profitability.
• Analyze business performance and provide meaningful financial insight to operational and commercial leadership.
• Monitor working capital and key balance sheet accounts while ensuring appropriate reconciliations and controls are maintained.
• Establish and strengthen accounting procedures, internal controls, and financial reporting processes.
• Partner with Procurement, Logistics, Engineering, and Operations to identify cost savings, operating efficiencies, and opportunities for improved profitability.
• Support product margin, purchase price, operating cost, and other analysis designed to improve overall business performance.
• Participate in strategic initiatives including capital investments, production localization, and other manufacturing projects.
• Coordinate financial information and documentation for external audits and serve as a key divisional contact throughout the audit process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Strong foundation in accounting, financial reporting, month-end close, and financial controls.
• Experience within manufacturing, distribution, construction, engineered products, or another project-oriented environment is strongly preferred.
• Ability to understand financial results beyond the accounting and explain the operational drivers behind business performance.
• Demonstrated experience partnering across multiple functions, including Operations, Sales, Engineering, Procurement, and other business teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify opportunities for improved profitability and operational performance.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience working within a large ERP environment required.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to interact effectively with both divisional and senior corporate leadership.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to bring different functions together around common business objectives.