US Business Controller Manager

Job Title: US Business Controller Manager

Location: Alabama

Salary Range: $140,000 – $170,000

Purpose of the Role:

Provide strategic financial leadership by partnering with senior management across US operations to align financial strategy with operational goals and drive performance across multiple business units.

Environment / Context:

Internal Factors:

• Strong collaboration required between Finance, Accounting, and Operations teams.
• Current processes rely heavily on manual Excel-based reporting and analysis.
• Ongoing transformation toward digitalization and adoption of modern financial tools.
• Need for robust governance and financial controls within decision-making.

External Factors:

• Volatile raw material prices and global supply chain disruptions impacting costs.
• Increasing regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the chemical industry.
• Competitive market dynamics requiring agile financial planning and forecasting.
• Rapid technological advancements, including AI and automation, influencing financial best practices.

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior management, influencing decisions with financial and operational insights.
• Align corporate objectives with business unit strategies.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes.

Business Partnering:

• Build strong relationships with business leaders to support growth, cost optimization, and profitability.
• Provide proactive analysis on market trends, cost, and margin developments.
• Challenge assumptions and ensure robust financial governance.

Performance Management:

• Develop KPIs and dashboards to monitor business performance.
• Identify risks and opportunities, communicate them to business leaders, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Support investment decisions, including CAPEX and R&D projects.
• Oversee monthly closing processes, ensuring accurate reporting and financial checks.

Modernization & Tools:

• Implement advanced analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, AI-driven solutions).
• Drive digital transformation in controlling and reporting processes.

Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor one business analyst.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; 10 years post-qualification experience, preferably in chemical or manufacturing industries.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting, margin analysis, and supply chain dynamics.
• Expertise in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and modern BI tools.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience leveraging AI and automation in financial processes is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present complex financial information to all levels of management.
• Strong interpersonal skills and team leadership capabilities.
• Responsible for ensuring system integrity and accurate, timely financial reporting for US operations.

Performance Indicators:

• Statutory and management reporting obligations met on time and to a high standard.
• Timely and sound financial advice provided to Controller and CFO.
• Comprehensive reporting and analysis of key business and cost drivers.
• Measurable growth in shareholder value.
• Positive feedback from internal stakeholders on the value of financial reporting.
• Year-end budget submission and reporting timelines consistently achieved.