This position is responsible for segment accounting and performance of complex financial analysis. The Segment Controller is responsible for closing the books and for providing information and analysis on the make-up of account balances, explaining variances, developing metrics, creating ad hoc reports (both financial and non-financial), implementing process improvements, preparing budgets, cost analysis, etc.. This position acts as a team leader on various cross function teams and interacts with the various business units to resolve finance as well as operational and IT related issues and to promote process improvements. Will oversee and be the point person for all IT related issues working closely with the Director of IT
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Overall responsibility for the Segment’s accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting, initially via Corporate Accounting. Provide management with the financial information needed to run the business. Ensure that the segment’s books are closed accurately and in a timely manner.
Supervise one to three staff accountants including the prioritization of workload and identification of staffing needs, oversight of work flow, and ensuring the staff are properly trained. Oversee capacity management within the division finance functional area and work with the various business units to equitably set priorities.
Lead or assist in projects such as budgeting and forecasting, metrics, profitability, etc. Perform statistical analysis to determine trends, estimates, and significant changes, and write narrative reports explaining findings. Perform ROI and other analyses to evaluate investment opportunities.
Respond to accounting related questions from the division, segment, and corporate, maintain and reconcile provisions and accruals, review GL and budget comparison reports on a monthly basis, interact with other IAC divisions, business partners and auditors.
Preparation of the monthly financial reports. Devise, facilitate and implement process improvements to our accounting systems. Development and preparation of special reports. Monitor compliance with GAAP, SOX and company policies. Uncover, review, investigate and correct errors and inconsistencies in financial entries, documents and reports. Make recommendations regarding the accounting of reserves, accruals, and expenses. Perform statistical and other analyses to determine trends, estimates, and significant changes and write narrative reports explaining findings. Development and documentation of procedures and process improvements.
Prepare and enter journals for division specific accruals, allocations and error corrections. Oversee the segment monthly general ledger close. Review the work of the staff for completeness and accuracy. Perform complex account reconciliations and make recommendations regarding the accounting of reserves, assets, and expenditures, based on detailed analysis. Perform account analysis to ensure accuracy and provide fluctuation analysis to division, segment, and corporate management.
Throughout the month the Segment Controller will provide various levels of the organization with information concerning the make-up of account balances, budget to actual balances, chargebacks, metrics and various information queried from HFA, Lawson and other sources. The position will also provide cost analysis on inventory purchases, sales compensation, freight, warranty cost, etc. In addition the Segment Controller provides analysis on a variety of subjects to Finance and Executive Management. To do so the Segment Controller must compile information from various sources often by creating new data queries. Not only must the data be compiled it must also be validated by the Segment Controller. The validation process requires that the Segment Controller; (1) understand how the requested information will be used and (2) be intimately familiar with the various data sources which, if used incorrectly, can lead to false conclusions.
As an extension of the Corporate Accounting department the Segment Controller must possess sufficient knowledge to assist in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervise one to three employees. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with applicable laws and Company policy. Responsibilities include: interviewing, recommending for hire and termination; training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving issues.
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Analytical - Synthesize complex or diverse information; Collect and research data; Use insight and experience to complement data; Design work flows and procedures.
Problem Solving - Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; Gather and analyze information skillfully; Develop alternative solutions; Work well in group problem solving situations; Use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Customer Service - Manage difficult or emotional customer situations; Respond promptly to customer needs; Solicit customer feedback to improve service; Respond to requests for service and assistance; Meet commitments.
Oral Communication - Speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen and get clarification; Respond well to questions; Demonstrate group presentation skills; Actively participate in meetings, forums and training classes.
Written Communication - Write clearly and informatively; Edit work for spelling and grammar; Vary writing style to meet needs; Present numerical data effectively; Ability to read and interpret written information.
Managing People - Include staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Take responsibility for subordinates' activities; Make self available to staff; Provide regular performance feedback; Develop subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicit and apply customer feedback (internal and external); Foster quality focus in others; Improve processes, products and services.; Continually work to improve supervisory skills.
Technical Skills - Mastery of basic and intermediate accounting skills, including cost accounting, and familiarity with GAAP. Good knowledge of internal controls. The Segment Controller must have the ability to extract data for various sources, (ERP system, spreadsheet, documents, etc.) in order to provide the required level of detail in the analyses mentioned above.
Leadership - Ability to assume a leadership role within the segment and on a variety of special projects.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education
A MBA is preferred, minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree (B. A.) in finance or accounting from an accredited four-year college or university.
Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as accounting pronouncements, process flows and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports, procedures and correspondences. Ability to speak effectively before groups of business partners or company employees.
Experience
Five to seven years relevant experience.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of ERP systems and common business applications including Excel, Word, Visio and Power Point.