Plant Controller

Plant Controller

JTEKT Automotive NA is a global leader in engineering and manufacturing automotive systems, bearing solutions, and high performance machine tools. We are seeking a talented Controller for our manufacturing site in Morristown, TN.

The Plant Controller is responsible for the integrity of plant financials along with financial reporting to plant and divisional management. Analyzes variances and communicates explanations to plant management with recommended action. Responsible for planning and coordinating budgeting and forecasting activities in alignment with corporate policies and practices. Perform cost and performance analysis, develop standards, manage plant inventory accounting, and work with cross functional plant leadership to improve the performance of the plant. Monitors and confirms financial condition and balance sheet by conducting internal audits and providing information to external auditors. Provides proactive consultation, interpretation and education of complex financial and operational matters to various departmental leaders used to drive business decisions. Ensures proper accounting in accordance with IFRS, SOX compliance and company policy.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities:

• Oversees preparation of weekly and monthly Profit and Loss Statement, financial related metric analysis, and other required performance documents, including reconciliation of general ledger accounts on a monthly basis.
• Ensure integrity and timely close of plant month end financials, working closely with manufacturing operations for effective analysis of production variances.
• Analyze and approve capital requests, monitor spending of CIP, ensure timely and accurate closing of projects with capitalization of assets and maintain semi-annual equipment inventories.
• Manage inventory accounting for the plant, including developing standard costs with annual analysis of labor and overhead rates to ensure proper absorption.
• Lead plant bi-annual financial planning process, accountable for timely and accurate completion of financial Business Planning forms by establishing schedules, collecting, analyzing and consolidating financial data and recommending plans to meet objectives.
• Co-Lead (With PC) physical inventories, supporting with analysis the understanding of variances and recommending countermeasures, at a minimum of twice per year, more frequent as necessary.
• Part of cross functional management team working to improve plant performance and guide financial decisions by analyzing results and forecasts, monitoring and enforcing policies and procedures.
• Manage and conduct financial and functional J-SOX (Japanese SOX) related activities
• Support quarterly and annual audits, both internal and external
• Partner with cross functional team members and shared services groups both at business unit and corporate level.
• Other miscellaneous financial analysis and activities as desired. Some projects may include other plants/facilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position currently has two direct reports (2 Accounting professionals). The position is part of a matrix organization and reports through ASBU Accounting. Significant direction is taken from the plant manager and incumbent is a key member of the plant management team. This position requires active participation in, and/or leadership of cross functional project teams.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong sense of ethics, attention to detail, and ability to raise issues / concerns in a professional manner, working through difficult topics across functions. Significant financial / accounting experience focusing on analytical activities (financial analysis, planning etc.) A positive, open minded, team approach is necessary for success. Experience in a manufacturing company with knowledge of standard costing practices and inventory management. Strong communication, presentation and inter-personal skills. Ability to develop personnel by planning, monitoring and appraising job performance, coaching and counseling as necessary. Strong Excel skills required. Experience in fully integrated ERP system (Oracle is strongly preferred). Candidates willing to consider eventual relocation to other facilities and/or other positions within finance or other functions strongly encouraged.

Education and Experience:

4-Year degree in Accounting (Business related field considered with appropriate experience) 10 years progressive experience in finance/accounting in manufacturing, with at least 5 years as a Controller/Manager. CPA / CMA preferred.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is mostly performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards, and with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office equipment. The performance of this position may occasionally require exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection. Ability to conduct periodic physical inventory and fixed asset audits in a manufacturing environment. Travel by automobile and plane required approximately 10-20% of time.

Employee may perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.