Controller - Operations

Company / Location Information

We are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of water heating and water treatment technologies in the world. We are a $3.5 billion company with 140+ years history and we employ more than 12,000 individuals globally who pride themselves on providing the world with innovative water technology. We are committed to Continuous Improvement, not just in our factories or processes, but in our people.

Primary Function

The Lochinvar Plant Controller will report into the Lochinvar Operations Director with a dotted line to the Lochinvar Head of Finance. The person in this role will be a valued member of the Lochinvar Plant Operations team and will be supported by the A.O. Smith North America Operations Controller. The Plant Controller responsibilities will be segmented into 3 main themes – Insight, Control and Planning & Reporting. 

Insight

• Identify key performance metrics that impact conversion costs and work with operations on reduction opportunities.
• Analyze conversion costs and productivity of the plant to drive operational improvement in focused areas; fully support A3 process and initiatives.
• Provide financial leadership for capital management, including working with the manufacturing organization to prepare financial analysis related to cost savings, expansion/growth & maintenance projects.
• Drive team to utilize forecast data to drive actions in the plant with flexibility in spending, manning and overall structure.
• Key participant in other plant lead team support initiatives and other plant functions such as safety, quality, etc.
• In-depth knowledge of Cost Accounting with ability to understand multi-level BOMs containing complex assemblies for configured and non-configured units.
• Evaluate and analyze plant profitability at product and product family level.
• Educate and train staff on plant financials, spend tracking, and operational levers.

Control

• External/Internal audit support.
• Establishment and Monitoring of standard costs for accuracy.
• Assist in the management and oversight of the inventory cycle count process.
• Implement and ensure compliance of internal financial & operational controls and procedures and SOX related requirements.
• Control and maintenance of fixed asset inventory to include annual fixed asset audit.
• Control and maintenance of lease query software inputs for Lochinvar.

Planning & Reporting

• Responsible for effectively and accurately leading the financial close process for the Lebanon plant manufacturing location while overseeing the preparation of required account reconciliations in a timely fashion after close.
• Preparation and timely submission of monthly conversion cost and material variance forecasts.

• Scorekeeper of Daily Trackers for labor and variable spend; ensure team has the tools and training to track their spend on a daily basis to optimize performance.
• Work with Plant lead team to develop annual plant operating budget and management presentation.
• Support the monthly and quarterly forecasting process by identifying any significant operational changes that affect the achievement of the annual plan.
• Analysis of monthly operating variances with explanations to plant team, Lochinvar senior leadership and Corporate leadership.

• Responsible for developing plant standard costing.
• Review and approve product standard costs reasonableness and correlation to plant operations.

Qualifications

• Standard cost accounting experience
• Experience with financial closing and reporting as well as budgeting processes
• Demonstrated knowledge of MS Office and SAP
• Should be a self-starter able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to effectively communicate with individuals from across the finance organization, external auditors, and plant management
• Must be able to effectively communicate complex and controversial concepts to a broad audience
• Must possess excellent project management and partnering skills
• Ability to develop and sustain relationships internally with plant/operations team and cross-functionally with other finance leaders

Education

Years of Experience

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.

*This position also qualifies for relocation assistance.