Assistant Controller

Smiths Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Group is looking for an Assistant Controller to join their team in Chicago, IL. The ideal candidate will support the Controller in providing strategic financial leadership and driving the financial success of the organization.

This role includes key responsibilities such as managing financial close processes, conducting thorough financial analysis, and establishing effective internal controls. Applicants should possess a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting and have substantial experience in the manufacturing sector.

The company values diversity and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a senior accountant in the manufacturing sector.
• In-depth knowledge of financial regulations and GAAP.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Prepare consolidated financial statements.
• Establish internal controls to safeguard company assets.

Skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency with ERP systems

Strong analytical skills

Effective communication

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

MBA and/or CPA

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Job description

DRC Heat Transfer (DRC) is a US-based designer and manufacturer of custom heat transfer and cooling solutions, primarily for the power generators used in data centers. DRC has an opening for the Assistant Controller position located in Chicago, IL. DRC is a Subsidiary of Smiths Group PLC (Smiths) with Headquarters in London, England. The Assistant Controller is a key part of the DRC Finance leadership team.

Job Description

Summary

The Assistant Controller is responsible for supporting the Controller in providing strategic financial leadership and driving the overall financial success of the organization. The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in guiding financial decisions, ensuring financial compliance, and managing the monthly financial close process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supporting the month‑end and year‑end close processes, preparing consolidated financial statements, and reconciling balance sheets.
• Implement financial strategies, plans, and budgets in alignment with the company's overall goals and objectives.
• Conduct thorough financial analysis to support decision‑making, including cost analysis, revenue forecasting, and scenario planning.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Prepare timely financial statements, reports, and forecasts, including segment‑based financial reporting.
• Present financial information to the DRC controller, providing insights and recommendations.
• Support integration from a stand‑alone privately held organization to a publicly traded subsidiary of Smiths Group, PLC.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the finance department.
• Manage control processes, including set‑up of new customers and suppliers and commissions payments.
• Support AR and AP functions and ensure timely collection, payment, posting and follow‑up activities.
• Manage fixed assets and capital expenditures.
• Assist all inventory and physical count reconciliations/accounting updates, working closely with Warehouse, Operations and IT resources.
• Support accounting and finance related process improvement projects.
• Support/manage other key projects, initiatives and requests by site leadership and parent company along with all other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities to the Organization

• Supports DRC/Smiths policies and procedures by promoting then throughout the organization.
• A positive attitude toward individual, team and company goals working effectively in a no ego environment.
• Maintains financial security by establishing internal controls and protects organization's value by keeping information confidential.
• Approaches change and difficult situations in a professional manner; demonstrates flexibility.
• Protects assets by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing internal controls.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Qualifications

Job Requirements

• Demonstrates good attention to detail and good judgment showing logical decision making.
• Proficiency with systems and software, including ERP systems and Microsoft Office products, with strong knowledge of Excel.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Must be self‑motivated and team‑oriented.
• Strong analytical skills, self‑motivated, able to work alone or within a team in a fast pace environment.

Education/Training/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field. MBA and/or CPA is highly desirable.
• Proven experience as a senior accountant, preferably within the manufacturing sector.
• In‑depth knowledge of financial regulations, accounting principles, and financial management best practices. Expertise in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment preferred.

Physical Demands

• Light physical demands, some reaching, standing, bending, lifting, and prolonged sitting and standing.

Additional Information

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.