Head of Chemical Finance

NCS Company Overview

National Carwash Solutions (NCS) is a leading industrial products, services and technology company whose primary end-market is car wash operators. NCS provides a full suite of manufactured equipment, installation project services, aftermarket parts and services, chemicals (detergents, protectants, etc.), and software. More specifically with equipment, NCS provides tunnel equipment, IBA (In Bay Automatic), vacuums, dryers, water systems, doors, signage, arches, and related components.NCS also sells a range of brands – on both equipment, chemicals and software today – including Armor All, Rain-X, Blue Coral, TSS, VacuTech, NCS, AMP, etc. The company sells primarily in N. America, operates 6 manufacturing plants across N. America, and has ~1600+ employees. The Company operates numerous Distribution Centers and has sales/HQ offices across N. America, with its primary corporate offices in Des Moines, Iowa and Dallas, TX. NCS is currently owned by Berkshire Partners, a leading Boston-based PE firm.

Division Background

Chemistry is a key Business Unit (BU) within the NCS portfolio, providing a range of chemistry SKUs to car wash operators — in practical terms, the chemicals operators use to clean cars — along with accessories such as towels and air fresheners. The Chemistry BU markets and sells its products across North America and manufactures its chemistry from a facility based in Green Bay. The division is highly profitable and sells under several brands, including Armor All. The BU also operates a fleet of chemistry technicians who service customer sites around North America, helping ensure chemicals are delivered and dispensed appropriately. Larger customers typically have multi-year contracts, and some are sold on a consigned-inventory Cost-Per-Car basis (“CPC”), while most customers purchase on a by-barrel basis, taking possession of inventory upon shipment/arrival at site.

The Role

As the Head of Chemical Finance, you will manage and oversee the preparation and review of the monthly financial close process, financial reports, corporate cash management activities, and the annual budget and monthly forecast processes for the Chemistry Business Unit. You will lead a team of accountants through the close and general accounting process, partner with the Controller to build the division's full P&L, and drive forecasting, pricing, and profitability insights that support the BU's continued growth. They will oversee the collection and analysis of financial data with a high degree of complexity and provide financial reports for the purpose of supporting management in driving revenues, reducing costs, and increasing liquidity — assuring underlying data is accurate at all times and that the financial analysis team is a world-class organization. This is a great role that offers strong development of a finance leader getting to oversee both accounting and finance activities.

What You’ll Do…

Accounting

• Oversee a team of 4 accountants, directing and reviewing their work to ensure financial results and analyses are communicated accurately and on time
• Own the monthly close process and general accounting, ensuring a timely and accurate month-end close while maintaining a strong control environment
• Lead contract review for the Chemistry BU, including:
  • Customer rebate accruals
  • Contract customer revenue recognition and reviews
  • Monthly commissions
• Ensure monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting is completed accurately and on time, with proper elimination and consolidation entries
• Oversee financial statement audit and tax requests

Finance

• Forecast the division's sales outlook, and report results and insights to leadership
• Collaborate with the Controller to develop the division's cost structure and assemble a complete P&L with supporting insights
• Support customer quoting and pricing decisions across the Chemistry BU's brands and contract structures (including CPC and by-barrel arrangements)
• Take on ad hoc analysis as needed, including pricing and profitability trend work
• Oversee analysis and support for the annual budget and monthly forecast, ensuring accurate and timely reporting
• Partner with key business partners – Chemistry SVP, Chemistry sales head, etc.

Pricing and Business Analytics

• Review market trends and opportunities for the sale of services, cleaning fluids, equipment, and related products
• Oversee business studies on past, future, and comparative performance, and utilize forecast models to analyze the business and recommend opportunities
• Review information within financial systems and compare against historical data and forecasted sales; identify variances and suggest corrective action
• Evaluate sales discounts and margins, and provide suggestions for improvement
• Develop pricing and contract terms for sales quoting for new chemistry deals
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales teams to develop presentation content for use in customer meetings

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of financial management, financial reporting, financial analysis, or related experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred)
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, MS Office, PowerPoint, and BI Tools
• Hands-on experience with statistical analysis
• Knowledge of financial forecasting and diagnosis, corporate finance, and information analysis
• Well informed of current financial subjects and business environments
• Experience managing or reviewing customer contracts, rebate structures, or revenue recognition preferred
• Preferred, finance experience within a chemical or industrial manufacturing company

Grow your career supported by an energized and passionate team, professional development, training, flexibility and opportunities for advancement. We offer competitive wages and benefits including comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, matching 401(k), paid time off and more.

National Carwash Solutions is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation or veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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