Job Description

Position Title:  Business Unit Controller

Location: Cleveland, OH

Business Unit: Team Wendy

About Avon Technologies:

We are a world leader in protective equipment, with a reputation for innovative design, high-performance quality and specialist materials expertise. Our two brands, Avon Protection and Team Wendy, supply our respiratory and head protection portfolio to customers across the globe from our manufacturing sites in the UK and North America. With over 900 talented people our shared purpose and core beliefs are to be #FIERCE about Protecting Lives. It's why we come to work - and it's what motivates us, every day, to do the best work we can.

Purpose of Position:

We are actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Business Unit Controller to fill a crucial position within our organization's financial management framework. This key individual will be responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, ensuring strict adherence to financial regulations, and spearheading the development and ongoing refinement of our accounting policies and procedures. The Business Unit Controller will work in close collaboration with the executive team, delivering insightful analyses and recommendations that facilitate informed strategic decision-making while enhancing the overall financial health of the organization. This role demands a proactive leader with a deep understanding of accounting principles and a commitment to excellence in financial stewardship. The Business Unit Controller will report to our Vice President of Finance for the Head Protection SBU.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accounting Operations:

• Responsible for leading shared services accounting functions (Cash, A/R, A/P etc.)
• Work with Global Finance Team to ensure prospering accounting treatment.
• Oversee day-to-day cost accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness in financial transactions.
• Implement process improvements and efficiencies in accounting workflows, utilizing technology and best practice methodologies to reduce costs and enhance reporting accuracy.

2. Financial Reporting:

• Oversee the preparation, review, and distribution of timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ensure proper analysis and reporting of financial performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to the Vice President of finance and CFO, providing insights into operational efficiency and profitability.
• Lead the preparation of monthly and year-end financial statements and liaise with external auditors to ensure a smooth audit process, resolving any issues that may arise.

3.  Budgeting and Forecasting:

• Work closely with the Director of Finance on the annual budgeting process by collaborating with departmental heads to gather necessary data, analyzing historical trends, and projecting future financial performance.
• Monitor budget variances on a monthly basis, providing detailed explanations for discrepancies and formulating corrective action plans in coordination with relevant departments.
• Utilize advanced forecasting techniques to anticipate financial trends and prepare rolling forecasts that inform strategic business decisions.

4. Internal Controls:

• Lead, design, implement, and maintain robust internal controls aimed at mitigating financial risk, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, and safeguarding the organization’s assets.
• Conduct comprehensive audits of financial operations, assess the effectiveness of current controls, and recommend enhancements to established procedures and practices.

5. Team Leadership:

• Provide mentorship, leadership, and professional development opportunities for accounting staff, fostering a culture that values integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Set clear performance expectations and goals for the accounting team, conducting regular performance reviews and supporting employees’ career development aspirations.

6. Compliance and Risk Management:

• Partner with external tax partner on all filings for the U.S.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory laws pertaining to financial and tax reporting, preparing documentation as necessary for regulatory submissions.
• Study and interpret accounting regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements to ensure the organization remains compliant and to advise senior management on potential impacts and strategies for risk mitigation.

7. Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with key stakeholders in strategic planning initiatives, providing financial insights that inform business strategies, investment decisions, and long-term financial planning.
• Contribute to the development of financial policies and strategies that align with organizational goals, assisting in identifying growth opportunities and areas for cost reduction.

8. Systems and Technology:

• Assess and recommend accounting software options to optimize financial reporting capabilities, ensuring the technology infrastructure supports efficient and accurate financial processes.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and technological advancements related to accounting and finance, advocating for innovative solutions that improve productivity and data accuracy.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive accounting experience in a managerial or leadership role within a corporate finance environment.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles (IFRS) tax regulations, and financial auditing practices.
• Expertise in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Proficient analytical and problem-solving capabilities, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to convey complex financial information clearly to a non-financial audience.
• Strong leadership qualities, with demonstrated capabilities in team building, motivation, and conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in various ERP software systems and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, and financial modeling.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in finance or accounting is preferred.
• Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a plus.

Work Environment:

• This is a full-time position with standard working hours, although flexibility may be required during peak financial periods or for special projects.
• The role may necessitate occasional travel for business meetings, conferences, or training sessions, depending on organizational needs.

What We Offer:

• Flexible Schedule
• Competitive Compensation Package
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Learning and Development Initiatives

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with this job.  While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserved the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.

Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.
 
U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export-controlled and other technology and services with certain "non-U.S. persons" (persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., refugees, "Temporary Residents" (granted Amnesty or Special Agricultural Worker provisions), or persons granted asylum (but excluding persons in nonimmigrant status such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, etc.) or non-U.S. citizens.
 
To comply with these laws, and in conjunction with the review of candidates for those positions within Avon that may present access to export controlled technical data, Avon must assess employees' U.S. person status, as well as citizenship(s).
 
The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only.  Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position.  The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at Avon's sole election.

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without a sponsorship for employment visa status (e.e. H1B status).

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Cleveland, OH is $140,000 to $170,000 annually.  The final salary offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, type and years of experience within the industry, education, etc.

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability