Plant Controller

Cooper Tire, A Goodyear company offers an entirely unique work experience because no matter what your title is, you’ll play a part in contributing to the development, manufacturing and marketing of some of the most innovative tire products in the world. Cooper is a fun and exciting place to work, and we easily stand apart from our competition. We’re constantly on the lookout for motivated individuals who lead by example and inspire others to greatness. The opportunities are endless and the rewards rich for those who believe that job satisfaction and career success begin with a satisfied customer. Careers are a Journey…Come Ride with Us!

Reporting operationally to the Operations Controller of North America and functionally to the Plant Finance Business Partner (FBP) while maintaining regular interaction/communication with the Manufacturing Financial Planning & Analysis Manager; this position is responsible for the accounting, financial results and internal controls at the plant.  This includes assisting in the monthly financial statement close and plant financial reporting, while maintaining effective internal controls in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and company policy.  This position must coordinate with any Centralized Plant Accounting groups (or other appropriate group) to complete certain routine monthly financial closing and analysis activities while managing local finance personnel (where applicable) to ensure completion of closing and analysis activities at the plant level.  This position also is responsible for assisting the Plant Finance Business Partner in partnering with the Plant Leadership Team, other SBU  manufacturing finance leadership and PBU finance leadership to ensure plant and finance goals and objectives are achieved and to develop people resources.

Key Responsibilities and Specific Duties:

• Assist in the monthly/quarterly financial reporting, special analyses at the manufacturing plant.  This includes the monthly, quarterly and annual financial statement close procedures, account reconciliations, and establishing judgmental reserve balances whether completed by a Centralized Plant Accounting group or locally at the plant level.  Ensure processes are compliant with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Company Policy. Responsible for statutory books and US GAAP adjustments required. Monitors controls over shipping and receiving. Monitors work in process inventory (WIP) for proper estimated value on a monthly basis. Manage local annual physical inventory process.
• Ensure that a robust internal control structure is in place, functioning effectively, and appropriately tested in accordance with SOX.  Ensure that identified control and internal audit gaps are remediated on a timely basis.  Responsible for working with the FBP in delivering tone-at-the top messaging to the Plant Leadership Team and accounting/finance department at the plant as to the importance of internal controls. Manage or participate (as applicable to local SBU process) in the quarterly letter of representation and SOX certification processes.  Ensure appropriate assurance procedures are completed and communicated to the business leadership team. Manage cycle count procedures over inventory, MRO and spare parts.
• Responsible for supporting production cost information as well as any studies on plant investments, restructuring, and budget justification.  Local oversight of the Standard Cost setting process which involves coordination of production levels and cost bases with the Manufacturing Financial Planning and Analysis and Product Business Unit organizations. Responsible for material cost information, including reconciliation of Purchase Price Variance, financial analysis of all specification changes, analysis of material manufacturing variances, and monthly inventory results. Assist, manage / oversee audit activities with internal and external auditors.
• Involved in developing talent for the finance organization, including development of professionals within the business and succession planning for key finance roles.  Ensure a strong performance management process that aligns individual objectives with business metrics and connects performance against objectives to compensation and career progression. Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to finance processes and systems. Participate in activities such as the annual operating plan, monthly/quarterly reporting, and special analyses as necessary. Work with local, state, and regional tax authority on all tax-related matters
• Understand and have an ability to summarize and communicate clearly the financial and operating results of the plants in order to measure progress against objectives and assess the effectiveness of decisions made.  Work with the FBP to identify actionable cost reduction and cash flow generation opportunities. Responsible for all fixed assets activities in the plant including reviewing for timely capitalization of projects, monitoring usage of machinery and equipment for potential idle assets, completing periodic physical count of assets in accordance with Goodyear policy and managing the process of disposing assets in accordance with company policies.

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree with a concentration in a business related field (i.e. accounting, finance, economics, etc.) is required.
• Advanced Degree (i.e. MBA, other advanced degree) or certification (i.e. CPA, CMA, etc.) preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 to 10 years of progressively more responsible experience in accounting / analysis, with minimum 3 to 5 years in a lead management role (increasing requirements depending on plant size and complexity).
• Minimum 3-5 year’s experience with plant-level accounting and standard costing systems.
• Preferred Change management experience, focused on getting large groups "on board" with new processes & techniques.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of US GAAP, accounting for complex transactions & internal controls in compliance with SOX.
• Excellent leadership, consulting, coaching, training, organization, interpersonal & communication skills, both verbal & written.
• Strong knowledge, understanding & practical skills in relevant systems (i.e. ERP systems (SAP preferred)), MS office, Hyperion, etc.
• High level of understanding of how key accounting decisions impact the business units & forecasted operating results/cash flows.
• Able to analyze & grasp a situation quickly from different perspectives & create well-reasoned solutions.

Cooper Tire, recently acquired by Goodyear, is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 
If you need reasonable accommodation to complete the online application, or any other part of the employment process, please contact the Goodyear Candidate Care Line at 330.796.4500.
 
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