What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Controller position at Eastman Chemical Company?
Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 13,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2025 revenue of approximately $8.8 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visitwww.eastman.com.
The Assistant Controller supports the Corporate Controller in overseeing the organization's accounting operations, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements. This role partners crossfunctionally to strengthen internal controls, drive process improvements, and support financial transformation initiatives.
- Lead and develop the Accounting organization through subordinate managers - set priorities; coach, mentor and serve as a technical resource for other accounting team members; build bench strength and succession plans; and foster a culture of continuous improvement and high integrity.
- Own cash flow forecasting and reporting for the organization: collaborate with Treasury and working capital stewards to analyze and develop recommendations.
- Ensure timely, accurate financial close and external reporting (monthly/quarterly/year-end) in accordance with US GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements; oversee internal controls and remediation (SOX experience preferred where applicable).
- Act as a senior financial advisor to executive leadership on the financial implications of business decisions, regulatory/tax changes, and emerging accounting standards - translate complexity into clear recommendations and decision-ready options.
- Partner closely with FP&A, Treasury, Tax, Legal, HR, and operational leaders to align budgets, multi-year plans, and business forecasts; provide insightful variance analysis and actionable recommendations.
- Select and manage relationships with external auditors and other consultants to secure high-quality, cost-effective services and strong audit outcomes.
- Lead accounting process and system improvements - automation, control enhancements, and standardized processes to reduce risk.
- Support enterprise initiatives such as M&A diligence, divestitures, and working capital optimization; represent Accounting on cross-functional teams.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred
- Typically 8-12 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including proven leadership of managers
- Deep technical expertise in US GAAP and external audit processes; experience managing external auditors
- Demonstrated experience with cash forecasting, capital/investment evaluation, and multi-year financial planning
- Track record of leading accounting transformation projects and ERP/control improvements (examples: Oracle, SAP, NetSuite)
- Strong stakeholder management and influence skills - comfortable advising senior leaders and negotiating complex outcomes
- Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills; high ethical standards and sound judgment
Preferred:
- Advanced degree
- Experience in manufacturing, chemicals, or complex global operations
- Direct experience with SOX compliance, global statutory reporting, and tax provision processes
- Experience leading shared services or centralized accounting teams
Kingsport, TN
Benefits
Your total rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. When you join Eastman, you gain access to an exceptional suite of programs designed to protect your health, grow your wealth, and fuel your career.
Compensation & Incentives
* Base pay plus performance-based incentive opportunities that let you share in our success.
Health & Wellness
* Comprehensive medical, prescription-drug, and dental coverage-paired with a Health Savings Account option to help you save tax-free dollars for care today or in the future.
* A robust menu of voluntary benefits-including vision, optional life, critical-illness protection, and more-so you can tailor coverage to fit your life.
* Holistic wellness support: financial-planning tools, family-building assistance (adoption, pregnancy, and fertility resources), parental leave, and confidential Employee Assistance Program counseling.
Retirement & Financial Strategies
* 401(k) with a company match-plus an additional annual retirement contribution from Eastman to accelerate your long-term savings.
Time Away
* Eleven paid holidays, one personal day, paid time off, and paid vacation to recharge, celebrate, or handle life's moments.
Growth & Development
* Access to mentorship, learning resources, and leadership programs that empower you to thrive in your current role and chart the next steps in your career.
At Eastman, we invest in the whole you-so you can bring your best self to work every day and build a future you're proud of.
Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully engagedworkplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.
Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville
Job Segment:
Compliance, ERP, Application Developer, Accounting, Law, Legal, Technology, Finance
Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.
Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.