Director of Finance & Controller

Summary

This role is a hands-on financial leader responsible for the company’s accounting, financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, internal controls, and day-to-day financial operations. Partnering closely with the President and senior leadership team, this position provides financial insight and guidance to support business performance, operational effectiveness, profitability, and long-term growth.

This is a working manager position that combines technical accounting, controls, compliance, and close responsibilities of a Controller with the strategic financial planning, forecasting, analytical, and business-partnering responsibilities of a Director of Finance.

Principal Accountabilities (Functional)

• Partners with the President and senior leadership to develop financial strategies and provide financial guidance supporting business objectives, profitability, growth and operational effectiveness.

• Leads the development of financial and business planning models, metrics and measurement techniques to assist corporate executives in achieving business plans, goals and objectives.

• Develops and analyzes statistical, financial and operational data to evaluate profitability, budget performance, cost trends, fiscal integrity and operating effectiveness.

• Provides senior management with financial analyses including financial statements, operating results, P&L variance analyses, planning and forecasting, historical trending, operational metrics, charts and graphs, and other analytical reporting utilizing knowledge of accounting and financial principles.

• Institutes and maintains financial planning and control procedures, analyzes and reports variances, identifies underlying business drivers and recommends actions to achieve plan objectives.

• Identifies key signals, measurements and progress indicators that extend into business performance.

• Champions long term growth strategies while promoting cost containment, and operational efficiencies.

• Maintains responsibility for the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of accounting and financial reporting.

• Actively participates in month-end, quarter-end and year-end financial closing processes.

• Oversees general accounting, accounts payable, billing/accounts receivable, payroll accounting, tax-related activities, cost accounting and other financial closing activities.

• Reviews account reconciliations, journal entries, financial statements, accruals, reserves and other activities.

• Provides technical accounting guidance and assists in resolving accounting, reporting and financial matters.

• Maintains appropriate accounting policies, financial procedures and internal controls to provide accurate financial reporting and safeguard company assets.

• Leads planning, development, maintenance and performance of the Corporate Internal Controls Review.

• Coordinates Internal Controls Reviews, peer reviews, financial audits conducted by independent public accountants and other external financial interfaces.

• Evaluates financial processes, procedures and systems and recommends improvements to strengthen internal controls, improve efficiency, enhance financial visibility and increase automation.

• May assist in managing global financial processes and reporting to provide key metrics and analysis.

• Manages special projects and provides comprehensive financial and business analyses for senior management as required.

Principal Accountabilities: (General Supervisory)

• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with company policy and applicable State and Federal laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, directing work and appraising performance.

• Provides direct leadership to Finance and Accounting employees while functioning as a working manager with hands-on involvement in departmental activities.

• Provides hands-on support during financial close, budgeting, forecasting, audits, financial analysis and other periods of increased workload or complexity.

• Interprets company policies to employees and enforces applicable safety regulations.

• Implements cross-training and employee development activities with specific attention toward creating a highly capable and flexible Finance and Accounting organization.

• Establishes and implements team and individual Critical Success Factors, including measurement and documentation of employee progress toward established goals.

• Develops employees through coaching, training, expanded responsibilities and performance feedback.

• Promotes accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and effective business partnership throughout the Finance and Accounting organization.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline with 8+ years of progressively responsible finance and/or accounting experience.

• MBA or Master's in Accounting, Finance or related, with commensurate experience will be considered.

• Previous experience supervising or leading Finance and/or Accounting professionals.

• CPA and/or CMA certification preferred.

• Strong SAP and advanced Excel experience.

• Demonstrated professional experience across financial reporting, accounting operations, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.

• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial statements, internal controls, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and business analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex information and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

• Manufacturing, capital equipment, or similarly complex operating environment experience is preferred.

• Cost accounting and manufacturing financial analysis experience preferred.

• Global or multi-entity financial experience preferred.

Responsibility for Quality Procedures or Direct Product Quality

• Adheres to Universal Quality System policies and procedures and uses Total Cycle Time principles, First Pass Yield concepts and standard problem-solving tools to continuously improve work processes.

• Promotes accurate, timely, efficient and controlled financial processes throughout the organization.

Physical Demands

• Ability to use a computer on a frequent basis.

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with fellow employees, management and business partners.

• Ability to prepare and deliver financial presentations to senior management and other stakeholders.

Universal Instruments is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled employer

Target Annual Compensation: $150,000 - $175,000 + Bonus + Robust Benefits

~ What “U” Can Do For You ~

Rewards Package:

• Competitive Compensation, Bonus Strategies, 401k Retirement Contribution Matching, Health Savings Options with Monthly Company Contributions and Investment Capability, Flexible Spending Options, Objective Merits, and Relocation Assistance.

Career Development:

• Relevant Tuition, Upskilling, and Certification Reimbursement, Mentorship, Educational Institution Relations, Career Pathing.

Work/Life Balance:

• Competitive Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Wellness Hours.

Health & Wellbeing:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan (“EAP”) and Other Supplemental Coverage Options.

Company Culture:

• Professional and Respectful Work Environment Driven by Our “6-C’s” Core Values: Customer-Centric, Collaboration, Creativity, Character, Courage, and Community.