Business Controller

Sulzer; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K plan with up to a 6% company match

12 Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Comprehensive benefits program

Health savings account with employer matching

4 weeks of paid parental leave

Motivating wellness program

Job summary

A manufacturing company in California seeks a Business Controller to enhance financial policies, oversee the accounting department, and lead financial management efforts. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and 7-10 years of relevant experience. Exceptional analytical and communication skills are a must. Benefits include a comprehensive benefits program and a 401K plan with company matching.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in finance.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of generally accepted accounting principles.
• Strong cost accounting, general ledger, payroll, and tax knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Establish and enforce financial policies and procedures.
• Oversee Accounting & Finance department operations.
• Prepare budgets and financial reports.
• Coordinate annual audit and external reporting with auditors.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes.
• Mentor and develop staff in a diverse team.

Skills

Cost accounting expertise

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Expertise in MS Excel

ERP systems

Manufacturing experience

Communication skills

Team leadership

Budgeting/Forecasting

General ledger / AP / AR

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent

Certification as a CPA

Tools

ERP systems (Infor Visual preferred)

Job description

Join to apply for the Business Controller role at Sulzer

Position Summary: Responsible for maximizing return on financial assets by establishing financial policies, procedures, controls, and reporting systems to include the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company's reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with the Sulzer Accounting Manual.

Principle Duties And Responsibilities

• Guides financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies and procedures.
• Oversees the activities of the Accounting & Finance Department for the accurate and timely dissemination of financial management reports including, but not limited to, internal and external monthly financial statements, annual audits, and budgets.
• Oversees the operations of the Accounting & Finance department, including the design of an organizational structure adequate for achieving the department's goals and objectives.
• Establishes and maintains systems and controls which verify the integrity of all systems, processes and data.
• Monitors and confirms financial condition by conducting audits as needed; providing information to external auditors.
• Manages corporate bank balances to achieve operational goals; maintains weekly cash forecast.
• Prepares budgets by establishing schedules; collecting, analyzing, and consolidating financial data; recommending plans.
• Achieves budget objectives by scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
• Provides status of financial condition by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data.
• Prepares special reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends.
• Assures compliance with inventory controls and accuracy of inventory costing in collaboration with the Factory General Manager and Supply Chain Manager.
• Reconciles the company’s inventory on an annual basis in conjunction with the annual external audit.
• Manages and maintains the appropriate level of cost accounting to maximize the profits of the companies.
• Complies with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; filing financial reports; advising management on needed actions.
• Responsible for hiring, training, coaching and appraising employees reporting to this position.
• Provides leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; creates and promotes a positive and supportive work environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned by VP Finance or Senior Management.

Education, Experience, & Skills

Required: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or equivalent business experience

Desired: Certification as a CPA

• 7-10 years’ of progressively responsible experience
• Experience in a manufacturing company/environment.
• High level cost accounting expertise
• Strong general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and tax knowledge
• Experience in gathering, evaluating, presenting and reporting financial information to executive teams and external stakeholders
• Strong understanding and application of generally accepted accounting principles and practices
• Knowledge and experience working with ERP systems (knowledge of Infor Visual a plus)
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team and ability to delegate accordingly
• Keen analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills which allows for strategic data interpretation
• High proficiency with MS Excel and Word including complex pivot tables
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, and regulations
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations to senior management, board, or other outside partners
• Ability to translate complex financial concepts to individuals at all levels including finance and non-finance managers
• Good judgment and problem-solving skills
• Planning and organizing

What we offer you

• 401K plan with up to a 6% company match.
• 12 Paid Holidays.
• Paid Time Off
• Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability.
• Health savings account with employer matching
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• Motivating wellness program

No visa or work permit support can be provided for this role.

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

At Sulzer, you are empowered to deliver superior results. As a pioneer in industry we have a proud heritage of innovation and continue to evolve for the future. Join our story and create your own impact by developing your expertise and building solutions that help make our lives safer, smarter and more sustainable.

We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2025 in Brazil, China, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Come and join our story!