Assistant Controller

As a leader within the finance organization, reporting directly to the US Division Controller, this position will require proven technical and leadership skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment by overseeing and directing the financial control and month-end close activities of the US Division Accounting Team. The Assistant Controller - US Division acts as a thought leader on a range of technical accounting and finance-related issues, which require interfacing with other senior finance and operations personnel.

This position has direct oversight of the US Division Accounting Team, which consists of two managers, one supervisor, SAP project lead and eleven staff/senior accountants. The Assistant Controller – US Division will also be required to partner with and support the accounting functions within our nine US manufacturing plants.

In addition to this position’s core responsibilities with financial reporting, this person will be required to drive initiatives, identify new process improvement opportunities, and provide performance coaching and development for the team.

This position will require approximately 15% travel annually.

Position Responsibilities

The Assistant Controller - US Division oversees the general ledger and provides accounting leadership and direction for the US Division by: (70%)

Ensuring the integrity of transactions contained within the US general ledger. Performing timely and robust risk-based analytical and quantitative reviews of financial performance and monthly internal financial reports.

Controlling the US general ledger, and reporting accurate US GAAP compliant financials to the External Reporting Team.

Preparing and publishing the monthly US Divisional financial results and analysis to the senior management team

Participating in cross-functional project teams to optimize processes and improve reporting;

Performing technical accounting research as needed, and applying guidance to complex problems or projects as necessary

Owning Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) compliance within the US Division Accounting Team by ensuring that controls are adequately maintained and followed;

Developing effective working relationships with US finance employees in offsite locations, such as regional hubs and plant locations, as well as with Corporate finance teams;

Working closely with IT to ensure that ERP system provides accurate, timely, and useful data;

Being a policy authority for the US Division by participating on functional teams to perform regular implementation and reviews of policies and procedures to bolster the integrity of financial accounting;

Demonstrating a keen ability to de-construct complex issues into straight-forward concepts and proposes plans of action to successfully navigate such matters in an organized and methodical framework;

Being the liaison between our auditors and the US Division Accounting Team. Ensuring schedule requests from our external and internal auditors are submitted timely with proper analysis and support.

Communicating issues in a clear and concise manner within the organization and clearly conveying thoughts and ideas using non-accounting jargon to support the senior management team in strategic and operational decision making; and

Demonstrating professional integrity when operating under pressure by challenging the status quo and questioning ideas and decisions to ensure the accuracy of financial information that governs the decision-making process for both internal and external stakeholders.

Manages others by providing ongoing development, mentoring, and strong learning experiences by: (30%)

Recruiting, motivating and training a high performing staff,

Serving as a resource to them in order to facilitate their professional development,

Leading the development of team goals and holds team accountable by celebrating "wins" and scrutinizing "losses" for continuous improvement,

Promoting a high level of ethical awareness and conduct. Evaluates controls, principles, values, mission, etc. of James Hardie Industries to ensure they are being consistently upheld in the US Division Accounting Team,

Keeping current on trends and developments in the accounting field by reading appropriate books, journals and other literature and attending related conferences, seminars, etc. Champions learning and education by encouraging department team members to pursue and maintain professional accreditation and licensure, as appropriate, and

Maintaining peer relationships to share issues and ideas.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS

CPA and Big 4 experience required

Strong Influencing skills

Have had at least 10 direct reports

Experience with $200-450 Million companies

12-15 years in Sr Accounting & Controller positions

Understands contracts; reviewing, compliance, execution

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Security Clearance Required: No

Visa Candidate Considered: No