Controller

Smiths Group; Melrose Park (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Job summary

DRC Heat Transfer in Chicago, IL is seeking a seasoned Controller to lead the finance function, drive strategic financial planning, monthly closes, and accurate reporting, while serving as a business partner to the leadership team and to Smiths Group.

The role requires deep GAAP knowledge, manufacturing sector experience, and proven ability to build and mentor a high-performing finance team, implement strong internal controls, and guide capital expenditure decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or related field; MBA/CPA desirable
• Proven Controller or senior finance experience, preferably in manufacturing
• GAAP knowledge and ability to communicate complex financial information
• Manufacturing experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting and monthly closes aligned with company goals
• Conduct financial analysis including cost, revenue forecasting and scenario planning
• Maintain internal controls and regulatory compliance
• Oversee preparation of financial statements and segment reporting
• Provide strategic financial guidance and capital expenditure governance
• Build and mentor a high-performing finance team

Skills

Attention to detail

ERP systems proficiency

Excel

Communication

Analytical thinking

Self-motivated

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

MBA or CPA desirable

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Compensation: USD 200 - USD 220 - yearly

Company 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 Controller position located in Chicago, IL. DRC is a Subsidiary of Smiths Group PLC (Smiths) with Headquarters in London, England. The Controller is a key part of the DRC leadership team and the financial leader between the DRC and Smiths.

Summary

The Controller is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and driving the overall financial success of the organization, while ensuring ownership’s goals and objectives are met. The Controller plays a critical role in guiding financial decisions, ensuring financial compliance, and managing a team through a monthly financial close process. This position will be considered a business partner while providing strategic financial advice and providing support to overall leadership team by driving best practices and improvement initiatives along with ensuring talent development and succession planning.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and 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.
• Identify and assess financial risks, proposing strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, reports, and forecasts, including segment-based financial reporting.
• Present financial information to the DRC leadership team, providing insights and recommendations.
• Evaluate investment opportunities and provide financial guidance and formalized structure for capital expenditures.
• Maintains the commodity hedging program and measures effectiveness with a commercial mindset
• Lead financial integration from a stand-alone privately held organization to a publicly traded subsidiary of Smiths Group, PLC.
• Build and lead a high-performing finance team, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• 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.
• Oversee 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.
• Oversee all 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 Controller or in a senior finance role, 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

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

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.