Assistant Controller

A. O. Smith Corporation; Ashland City (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Company-sponsored life insurance

Retirement security savings plan

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A leading global manufacturer is seeking an Assistant Controller in Ashland City, Tennessee. The role involves overseeing the accounting team, applying consistent accounting policies, and driving automation initiatives. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a minimum of 7 years' experience. The position offers a competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits, ensuring a strong internal control environment within a collaborative team setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of related experience in accounting.
• Experience or strong interest in automation tools and processes.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly in conveying financial results.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the North America Controller during month-end close.
• Oversee the accounting team and focus on process improvement.
• Perform regular reviews of account reconciliations and cycle-count outcomes.

Skills

Accounting Policies

Process Improvement

Financial Data Analysis

Leadership

Automation Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Job description

Assistant Controller

Apply for the Assistant Controller position with A. O. Smith Corporation, a global leader in water heating and treatment solutions.

Company Overview

A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and operates worldwide in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, employing approximately 12,000 people.

Primary Function

Responsible for applying consistent accounting policies in compliance with US GAAP and ensuring a strong environment of internal controls. The role will work with all North America site controllers to maintain controls, drive automation of routine data analytics, and support the accounting function.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the North America Controller during month‑end close to ensure comprehensive analysis of actual results versus forecast and meet reporting deadlines.


• Oversee the accounting team, including 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 with the accounting team and plant personnel.


• Review supporting documentation and calculations for significant journal entries, working closely with the team to implement robust internal controls and validation procedures.


• Collaborate effectively with Corporate Accounting and Tax teams, organizing necessary documentation to support tax return preparation and insurance coverage requests.


• 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 related technologies to achieve faster and more reliable outcomes.


• Carry out quarterly assessments of warranty calculations to ensure audit compliance and identify discrepancies or improvement areas.


• 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 a minimum of 7 years of related experience.


• Experience or strong interest in automation tools and processes.


• Ability to interpret and analyze financial data and reports, identifying financial impacts.


• Leadership and problem‑solving skills, including conflict resolution.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).


• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly in conveying financial results.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.


• Capability to work independently or as part of a team to meet deadlines and manage priorities.

Benefits & Compensation

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

EEO & ADA 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.