Director of Finance & Business Controller

Overview

The organization is seeking a Director of Finance & Business Controller for the Fresh Foods Division in the US. This senior finance leader is responsible for financial performance, reporting, planning, and internal controls for the business unit. The role partners with division leadership to drive profitable growth, improve operational performance, and ensure accurate financial reporting in compliance with corporate policies and accounting standards.

Responsibilities

Financial closing process ownership

• Ensure timely month-end close of the financial systems across the business unit in accordance with US GAAP/IFRS/GMP.
• Provide analysis and recommendations to management in areas including cost management, resource management, finance, revenue accounting, customer profitability and market segmentation, pricing, and contracts.
• Support CapEx spending management and execution.
• Partner with business and IT to develop new processes to better manage operating expenses, working capital, and overall business profitability.

Financial leadership

• Serve as a primary financial advisor to segment leadership.
• Provide financial guidance supporting strategic and operational decisions.
• Translate financial information into actionable business recommendations.
• Participate as a member of the segment leadership team.
• Drive operational improvements through efficiency efforts, automation, and insightful analysis.

Financial planning & analysis

• Support development of monthly forecasts and long-range financial plans.
• Analyze operating results to identify risks and opportunities.
• Present financial results and recommendations to senior management.
• Participate in the annual operating plan and strategic planning process.

Financial reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate monthly financial reporting.
• Review income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Explain financial variances against budget, forecast, and prior year.
• Maintain compliance with US GAAP, IFRS (if applicable), and corporate reporting requirements.

Operational finance

• Support pricing decisions and customer profitability analysis.
• Evaluate product mix and margin improvement opportunities.
• Monitor working capital performance.
• Improve inventory turns and cash flow.
• Develop operational KPIs and financial dashboards.

Cost accounting & manufacturing finance

• Oversee standard costing and product costing.
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation.
• Analyze manufacturing variances including:
  • Material usage
  • Labor efficiency
  • Overhead absorption
  • Production yield
  • Scrap
  • Productivity
• Partner with operations to improve manufacturing performance.

Internal controls & compliance

• Maintain strong internal controls.
• Ensure SOX compliance (where applicable).
• Coordinate internal and external audits.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting procedures.
• Monitor financial risk across the division.

Capital management

• Evaluate capital investment proposals.
• Prepare ROI, NPV, IRR, and payback analyses.
• Monitor capital spending against approved budgets.
• Support post-investment reviews.

Business partnership

• Partner with Operations, Sales, Supply Chain, Procurement, R&D, and Human Resources.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives such as 80/20, Lean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence.

Team leadership

• Lead, develop, and coach the financial Controllers organization.
• Build succession plans.
• Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required.
• 7 to 10+ years of progressive finance experience.
• 5+ years of manufacturing finance leadership.
• Experience as a Controller or Senior Finance Manager.
• Experience supporting executive leadership.
• Multi-site manufacturing experience preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA preferred.
• CPA or CMA preferred.
• Multi-site manufacturing experience preferred.

Location

United States (Fresh Foods Division).