Assistant Controller

Company Overview

Nippon Seiki is a world-class manufacturer of instruments for vehicles, agricultural, and construction equipment. Established in 1945, Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Japan, with numerous facilities Nippon Seiki North America. ("NSNA"), a group company of Nippon Seiki, located in Auburn Hills, MI, is a tier one supplier of instrument clusters and head-up display units for FCA US, General Motors, BMW, Honda, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Polaris, Arctic Cat and other OEM's.

Purpose of Job

The Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller is a key member of the Finance team and is responsible for supporting the financial management and operational performance of the organization. This position provides leadership in financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and financial analysis while partnering closely with operations and other functional areas to support business objectives.

The successful candidate will combine strong accounting and analytical skills with the ability to communicate effectively across the organization. This individual will play an active role in monthly financial reporting, annual budgeting, forecasting, inventory and cost accounting activities, process improvement initiatives, and the development of financial information used to support business decisions.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

Top duties or activities in a given year. Not all tasks/steps performed are listed.

Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Lead and support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process to ensure timely and accurate financial results.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, supporting schedules, and management reporting packages.
• Prepare and present monthly variance analysis, including actual vs. budget explanations for management review.
• Ensure compliance with US GAAP and company accounting policies in financial reporting activities.
• Lead coordination of external financial statement audits and serve as the primary contact for J-SOX audits, ensuring timely completion of audit requests and compliance requirements.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Analyze financial and operational results and provide meaningful insights and recommendations to management.
• Support the annual budgeting process and periodic reforecasting activities.
• Coordinate monthly forecast updates including material margin analysis, labor updates and departmental expense changes.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and NSNA FP&A to ensure consistency in financial assumptions and reporting.

Cost Accounting & Operational Finance Support

• Oversee standard cost development and maintenance for manufacturing operations.
• Analyze material, labor, and overhead variances and identify root causes in partnership with Operations.
• Oversee inventory valuation accuracy, including review of WIP, finished goods, and reserve calculations.
• Partner with Operations, Purchasing, and Engineering to improve cost visibility and financial understanding of manufacturing performance.

Accounting Supervision & Controls

• Provide day-to-day supervision and oversight of accounting staff and transactional activities.
• Ensure timely completion and review of AP, product costing, and general ledger activities.
• Support development and maintenance of accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Promote accuracy, consistency, and accountability within accounting processes.

Systems, Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Utilize ERP and financial systems to support reporting, analysis, and process efficiency.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve reporting accuracy, automation, and workflow efficiency.
• Support cross-functional projects and continuous improvement initiatives across finance and operations.
• Assist in system enhancements and reporting tool development as needed.

Education, Experience and Knowledge

Required and/or preferred level of education, knowledge and skills that are necessary.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field 

• 3+ years accounting experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• 3+ years experience with financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Supervisory or team coordination experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and internal control concepts (SOX/JSOX experience a plus).
• Experience with ERP systems (Plex or similar manufacturing ERP preferred).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general Microsoft Office tools.
• Experience in FP&A or financial analysis strongly preferred.
• Exposure to international manufacturing operations (Japan/Mexico) a plus.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing business processes and cost structures.

• Technical Leadership : Includes being the subject matter expert in this field. Ability to motivate the organization, enforce product technical excellence and sponsor innovation among the team.
• Observation, understanding, and execution of applicable company ISO/TS/IATF certification standards related to the role and impact on the overall organization.

• Leading Others : Includes leading by setting clear expectations for performance and responsibility. Serving as a role model of appropriate attitudes and behaviors. Diagnosing the needs and capabilities of employees and taking actions to maximize each person's development.
• Adaptation/Flexibility : Includes keeping an open mind regarding new ideas and ways of doing things. Willing to consider alternative interpretations or ways of looking at the situation. Demonstrating flexibility.
• Initiative/Results Driven : Includes setting high standards of performance for self and others. Striving to accomplish goals even if it means personal sacrifice. Putting the goals of the organization above own goals.
• Judgment/Decision Making : Includes making decisions and takes actions that have beneficial impact. Effectively evaluating information in order to come up with sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Resource Management : Includes setting clear objectives to guide action for self or others to accomplish goals. Organizing or adjusting information, people and materials to meet those goals.
• Team Work : Includes encouraging and supporting the ideas and effort of others. Finding ways to help the team or group perform effectively.

Additional Information

Work Hours

Monday-Friday, 7:30AM – 4:30PM. Off-hours as needed.

10% international and/or domestic. 

If domestic travel is necessary, valid drivers’ license is required.

If international travel is necessary, valid passport is required.

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DISCLAIMER

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Nippon Seiki North America is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Candidates must meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years to comply with labor laws and job responsibilities.