Assistant Controller

Company / Location Information

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Primary Function

Responsible for application of consistent accounting policies in compliance with US GAAP and ensuring an environment of internal controls is in place.  Role will be responsible for working with all North America sites controller for compliance with internal controls.  Role will also drive automation of routine data analytics to support the accounting function

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the North America Controller during month-end close to ensure comprehensive analysis of actual results versus forecast is conducted and reporting deadlines are met.
• Oversee the accounting team, including both staff and senior members, focusing on process improvement and increased efficiency during the close and throughout various projects.
• Independently manage the close process and proactively address outstanding items in collaboration with the accounting team and plant personnel.
• Review supporting documentation and calculations for significant journal entries, working closely with the accounting team to implement robust internal controls and validation procedures for accuracy.
• Collaborate effectively with Corporate Accounting and Tax teams, organizing necessary documentation to support tax return preparation and insurance coverage requests in a timely manner.
• Promote consistency in accounting practices across all North American segments.
• Conduct balance sheet reviews with segment Finance leaders to identify risks and opportunities throughout the fiscal year.
• Advance automation initiatives during the close by utilizing AI tools, Power BI, and similar technologies to achieve faster and more reliable outcomes.
• Carry out quarterly assessments of warranty calculations to ensure compliance with audit standards, while identifying any discrepancies or areas for enhancement.
• Lead projects prioritized by the business, serving as a representative for the Finance/Accounting function.
• Perform regular (monthly) reviews of account reconciliations and cycle count outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and minimum 7 years of related work experience
• Experience or interest in automation tools and processes
• Ability to interpret and analyze financial data and reports, and to identify financial impacts
• Skills in leadership and problem-solving, including conflict resolution ability
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, such as Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Attention to detail and organizational skills
• Communication skills in both oral and written formats, including communicating financial results and information
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Capability to work independently or as part of a team to meet deadlines and manage priorities

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.

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ADA Statement & EEO Statement

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.