Job Title: Sr. Financial Accountant
Requisition Number: FIN/PLAN-3228
Interest Category: Accounting / Finance
Hourly/Salary: Salary
City: Tacoma
State: Washington
Country: United States
Shift: Days
Job Description:
Position Summary
As a key member of the Plant Accounting team, the Sr. Financial Accountant reports to the Plant Controller and is responsible for assuring proper control, balance sheet integrity, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance in the plant. The Sr. Financial Accountant acts as the accounting lead in a fast paced manufacturing environment. This position will lead the month end close process and drive improvements during that month to ensure strong controls and accounting principles are continually present in the plant. This position will be based in our Tacoma, Washington facility and will also have responsibilities in our Reno, Nevada and Fontana, California manufacturing facilities. Frequent travel to these locations will be required.
Position Responsibilities
Specifically, as a direct report to the Plant Controller, the Sr. Financial Accountant will be expected to:
Lead the month end close process and ensure the financial integrity of P&L and balance sheet accounts by: (40%)
- Ensuring transactions are properly recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
- Enacting, monitoring and enhancing month end checklists and workflows to ensure month-end close procedures and reviews are executed in a timely and effective manner
- Ensuring balance sheet and other account reconciliations are properly performed and reviewed with reconciling items clearly explained and supported
- Acquiring and demonstrating familiarity with the structure, composition and detail of plant-specific trial balance accounts and how they are reported to the corporate GL Group
- Understanding relevant financial reporting risks in a manufacturing environment and adapting month-end close procedures as needed to mitigate risk and maintain a high level of control
- Teaming with the corporate GL Group to proactively communicate and resolve plant-specific significant, unusual or non-recurring accounting matters to manage risk appropriately
Drive plant compliance to Sarbanes-Oxley requirements by: (20%)
- Monitoring the execution of monthly and quarterly plant-specific internal controls to ensure ongoing compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley
- Work with the Plant Controller to review business process flow charts and controls, maintaining accuracy in both and recommending additions, changes or deletions as needed to ensure controls operate as designed and to the requisite level of precision and specificity, as applicable
- Assist both internal and external auditors, as needed, with plant-specific audit programs by compiling audit requests, addressing auditor inquiries and assisting in the resolution of audit findings, including proactively executing on agreed-upon remediation plans as applicable
Monitor, enhance, and develop plant accounting policies and procedures as necessary by: (20%)
- Working with plant personnel and corporate controllers’ group to keep accounting policies and procedures updated and relevant for plant operations;
- Acting as a subject matter expert on policies and procedures relevant to plant accounting and operations by training employees on policies and procedures and communicating periodic and ongoing updates to existing policies and procedures to plant personnel;
- Identifying inefficiencies in existing processes that lead to variances on the balance sheet, including inventory, and recommending improvements to existing processes to reduce variances; and
- Identifying, recommending and communicating “best practices” with other plants and the corporate controllers’ group to ensure consistent application across a world class manufacturing operation.
Guides accounting functions in the plant, promoting a high level of ethics and accountability by: (20%)
- Regularly engaging with plant accounting staff by providing real-time coaching and ensuring plant accounting staff possess a thorough understanding of the scope and relevant risks related to their day-to-day and month-end accounting functions;
- Acting as a champion of company and plant-specific policies and procedures and leads by example in working at those high standards; and
- Emboldens the principles, values, mission, and controls of the James Hardie finance organization.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
Quantitative Dimensions
Decision Making:
The Sr. Financial Accountant makes decision based on the policies and procedures established by James Hardie and also from their previous experience and technical expertise. Must have the ability to work cross-functionally within a manufacturing environment and help bridge with other plants and accounting/finance departments within the company. The incumbent will be capable of influencing decision makingand ‘doing the right thing’ in all circumstances.
Supervisory/Lead
Responsibilities:
The Sr. Financial Accountant does not have direct reports; however, he/she will be responsible for leading by example, training others on best practices, effectuating changes to current processes and procedures, and influencing people that are not direct reports. The incumbent will have a high level of responsibility to ensure all plant accounting policies and procedures are understood and performed at a high level. The incumbent must possess a high-level of communication skill with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
Scope of Position:
The Sr. Financial Accountant interacts with a wide variety of James Hardie personnel across a world class manufacturing, accounting and finance organization, including the JHBP Controllers’ group. The incumbent is required to continuously think of new and improved methods for financial integrity of plant accounting and key reporting.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required:
- Expectation to travel 50% of the time.
- Outstanding analytical skills, a high degree of intellectual curiosity, and the ability to engage with others in addressing complex business issues.
- Experience in an environment highly recognized for driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Proven presentation skills with the ability to communicate at all levels.
- Demonstrated expertise of research methods and report preparation.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively take action to solve problems while exhibiting sound judgment and successful stress tolerance.
- Superior interpersonal and written/oral communication skills with the ability to communicate accounting and financial information across the business.
- A good listener with outstanding interpersonal qualities and a natural, effective consultative style. Someone who is sought out for their opinions and counsel and who can forge and maintain close relationships, both internally and externally.
- An energetic, resourceful and hands-on individual with a strong bias for action, someone who commits himself/herself fully to stretch goals and who is dedicated to developing and delivering outstanding results.
- Ability to be tactical as well as see the bigger operational picture.
- Demonstrated ability to identify problems and think independently about alternative ways to solve problems based on analysis of data.
- Ability to offer advanced solutions based on collected, summarized, and analyzed data.
- Ability to apply creativity and latitude in identifying new projects, trends, and processes.
- Demonstrated advanced skills with the standard features of various personal computer word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, pivot tables & V Lookups, and other financially-related and proprietary software).
- Results-oriented to ensure delivery of appropriate products and services in an accurate, complete, and timely fashion.
- The desire and tenacity to grow within the organization with the ability to relocate to other manufacturing facilities for advancement opportunities, as appropriate.
Education/Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Accounting or Finance Degree preferred).
- CPA license
- 2 or more years of ‘ public accounting, preferably with experience on manufacturing engagements
- Experience working with manufacturing companies, where standard costs systems are utilized
Competencies:
- Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues; problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
- Formal Presentation: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups when given time to prepare; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.
- Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others’ assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed.
- Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
- Building Strategic Working Relationships: Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals.
- Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.
- Gaining Commitment: Using appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations and individuals involved.
- Information Monitoring: Setting up ongoing procedures to collect and review information needed to manage an organization or ongoing activities within it.
- Continuous Learning: Actively identifying new areas for learning; regularly creating and taking advantage of learning opportunities; using newly gained knowledge and skill on the job and learning through their application.
- Stress Tolerance: Maintaining stable performance under pressure or opposition (such as time pressure, or job ambiguity); handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.
JHMON
Requisition Number: FIN/PLAN-3228
Interest Category: Accounting / Finance
Hourly/Salary: Salary
City: Tacoma
State: Washington
Country: United States
Shift: Days
Job Description:
Position Summary
As a key member of the Plant Accounting team, the Sr. Financial Accountant reports to the Plant Controller and is responsible for assuring proper control, balance sheet integrity, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance in the plant. The Sr. Financial Accountant acts as the accounting lead in a fast paced manufacturing environment. This position will lead the month end close process and drive improvements during that month to ensure strong controls and accounting principles are continually present in the plant. This position will be based in our Tacoma, Washington facility and will also have responsibilities in our Reno, Nevada and Fontana, California manufacturing facilities. Frequent travel to these locations will be required.
Position Responsibilities
Specifically, as a direct report to the Plant Controller, the Sr. Financial Accountant will be expected to:
Lead the month end close process and ensure the financial integrity of P&L and balance sheet accounts by: (40%)
- Ensuring transactions are properly recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
- Enacting, monitoring and enhancing month end checklists and workflows to ensure month-end close procedures and reviews are executed in a timely and effective manner
- Ensuring balance sheet and other account reconciliations are properly performed and reviewed with reconciling items clearly explained and supported
- Acquiring and demonstrating familiarity with the structure, composition and detail of plant-specific trial balance accounts and how they are reported to the corporate GL Group
- Understanding relevant financial reporting risks in a manufacturing environment and adapting month-end close procedures as needed to mitigate risk and maintain a high level of control
- Teaming with the corporate GL Group to proactively communicate and resolve plant-specific significant, unusual or non-recurring accounting matters to manage risk appropriately
Drive plant compliance to Sarbanes-Oxley requirements by: (20%)
- Monitoring the execution of monthly and quarterly plant-specific internal controls to ensure ongoing compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley
- Work with the Plant Controller to review business process flow charts and controls, maintaining accuracy in both and recommending additions, changes or deletions as needed to ensure controls operate as designed and to the requisite level of precision and specificity, as applicable
- Assist both internal and external auditors, as needed, with plant-specific audit programs by compiling audit requests, addressing auditor inquiries and assisting in the resolution of audit findings, including proactively executing on agreed-upon remediation plans as applicable
Monitor, enhance, and develop plant accounting policies and procedures as necessary by: (20%)
- Working with plant personnel and corporate controllers’ group to keep accounting policies and procedures updated and relevant for plant operations;
- Acting as a subject matter expert on policies and procedures relevant to plant accounting and operations by training employees on policies and procedures and communicating periodic and ongoing updates to existing policies and procedures to plant personnel;
- Identifying inefficiencies in existing processes that lead to variances on the balance sheet, including inventory, and recommending improvements to existing processes to reduce variances; and
- Identifying, recommending and communicating “best practices” with other plants and the corporate controllers’ group to ensure consistent application across a world class manufacturing operation.
Guides accounting functions in the plant, promoting a high level of ethics and accountability by: (20%)
- Regularly engaging with plant accounting staff by providing real-time coaching and ensuring plant accounting staff possess a thorough understanding of the scope and relevant risks related to their day-to-day and month-end accounting functions;
- Acting as a champion of company and plant-specific policies and procedures and leads by example in working at those high standards; and
- Emboldens the principles, values, mission, and controls of the James Hardie finance organization.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
Quantitative Dimensions
Decision Making:
The Sr. Financial Accountant makes decision based on the policies and procedures established by James Hardie and also from their previous experience and technical expertise. Must have the ability to work cross-functionally within a manufacturing environment and help bridge with other plants and accounting/finance departments within the company. The incumbent will be capable of influencing decision makingand ‘doing the right thing’ in all circumstances.
Supervisory/Lead
Responsibilities:
The Sr. Financial Accountant does not have direct reports; however, he/she will be responsible for leading by example, training others on best practices, effectuating changes to current processes and procedures, and influencing people that are not direct reports. The incumbent will have a high level of responsibility to ensure all plant accounting policies and procedures are understood and performed at a high level. The incumbent must possess a high-level of communication skill with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
Scope of Position:
The Sr. Financial Accountant interacts with a wide variety of James Hardie personnel across a world class manufacturing, accounting and finance organization, including the JHBP Controllers’ group. The incumbent is required to continuously think of new and improved methods for financial integrity of plant accounting and key reporting.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Required:
- Expectation to travel 50% of the time.
- Outstanding analytical skills, a high degree of intellectual curiosity, and the ability to engage with others in addressing complex business issues.
- Experience in an environment highly recognized for driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Proven presentation skills with the ability to communicate at all levels.
- Demonstrated expertise of research methods and report preparation.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively take action to solve problems while exhibiting sound judgment and successful stress tolerance.
- Superior interpersonal and written/oral communication skills with the ability to communicate accounting and financial information across the business.
- A good listener with outstanding interpersonal qualities and a natural, effective consultative style. Someone who is sought out for their opinions and counsel and who can forge and maintain close relationships, both internally and externally.
- An energetic, resourceful and hands-on individual with a strong bias for action, someone who commits himself/herself fully to stretch goals and who is dedicated to developing and delivering outstanding results.
- Ability to be tactical as well as see the bigger operational picture.
- Demonstrated ability to identify problems and think independently about alternative ways to solve problems based on analysis of data.
- Ability to offer advanced solutions based on collected, summarized, and analyzed data.
- Ability to apply creativity and latitude in identifying new projects, trends, and processes.
- Demonstrated advanced skills with the standard features of various personal computer word processing and spreadsheet software (Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Internet, pivot tables & V Lookups, and other financially-related and proprietary software).
- Results-oriented to ensure delivery of appropriate products and services in an accurate, complete, and timely fashion.
- The desire and tenacity to grow within the organization with the ability to relocate to other manufacturing facilities for advancement opportunities, as appropriate.
Education/Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (Accounting or Finance Degree preferred).
- CPA license
- 2 or more years of ‘ public accounting, preferably with experience on manufacturing engagements
- Experience working with manufacturing companies, where standard costs systems are utilized
Competencies:
- Decision Making: Identifying and understanding issues; problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
- Formal Presentation: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups when given time to prepare; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.
- Work Standards: Setting high standards of performance for self and others’ assuming responsibility and accountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self imposing standards of excellence rather than having standards imposed.
- Planning and Organizing: Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
- Building Strategic Working Relationships: Developing and using collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals.
- Initiating Action: Taking prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.
- Gaining Commitment: Using appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations and individuals involved.
- Information Monitoring: Setting up ongoing procedures to collect and review information needed to manage an organization or ongoing activities within it.
- Continuous Learning: Actively identifying new areas for learning; regularly creating and taking advantage of learning opportunities; using newly gained knowledge and skill on the job and learning through their application.
- Stress Tolerance: Maintaining stable performance under pressure or opposition (such as time pressure, or job ambiguity); handling stress in a manner that is acceptable to others and to the organization.
JHMON