Segment Controller

Position Summary The Director / Segment Controller serves as the senior financial leader for a manufacturing business segment, providing strategic financial direction, operational support, and financial stewardship. This role is responsible for overseeing all accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, internal controls, cost accounting, and business performance analysis for the segment. The position partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and Executive Leadership to drive profitable growth, operational excellence, and informed decision-making. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with manufacturing finance experience, business acumen, and leadership capabilities to support company objectives and improve financial performance. Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Business Partnership Serve as the primary finance leader and trusted advisor to Segment Leadership. Partner with operations and commercial teams to drive revenue growth, margin expansion, and profitability improvement. Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic initiatives, capital investments, pricing decisions, and operational improvements. Translate financial results into actionable business insights for senior management. Financial Planning & Analysis Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning processes. Develop financial models and scenario analyses to support business strategies. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify trends impacting financial results. Drive accountability for achieving financial targets and operational objectives. Accounting & Financial Reporting Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting. Oversee segment accounting activities in compliance with U.S. GAAP, company policies, and regulatory requirements. Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements. Support corporate reporting requirements and external audit activities. Manufacturing Cost Accounting Lead all cost accounting functions including: Standard costing Inventory accounting Product costing Variance analysis Manufacturing overhead allocation Analyze labor, material, and overhead costs to improve operational efficiency. Partner with plant leadership to identify and implement cost reduction opportunities. Internal Controls & Compliance Maintain strong internal control environment and ensure compliance with company policies. Support SOX compliance activities and internal/external audits. Assess financial and operational risks and implement mitigation strategies. Ensure proper governance over financial processes and reporting. Operational Finance Partner with plant and operations leaders to improve productivity, inventory management, capacity utilization, and working capital performance. Evaluate manufacturing performance and identify financial impacts of operational decisions. Monitor capital expenditures and ensure investment projects achieve targeted returns. Team Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop finance and accounting professionals within the segment. Build a high-performing finance organization focused on business partnership and continuous improvement. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth. Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. MBA, CPA, CMA, or other advanced financial certification preferred. Experience 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting experience. 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment. Strong background in: Manufacturing finance Cost accounting Financial planning and analysis Financial reporting Internal controls Technical Skills Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements. Extensive experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar). Advanced proficiency in Excel, financial modeling, and data analytics tools. Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations preferred. Competencies Strategic Thinking Business Acumen Financial Leadership Decision Making Executive Presence Cross-Functional Collaboration Problem Solving Change Leadership Continuous Improvement Mindset Strong Communication and Presentation Skills Key Performance Metrics Revenue and profit performance EBITDA improvement Forecast accuracy Working capital management Inventory turns Cost reduction achievement Internal control effectiveness On-time and accurate financial reporting Team engagement and development