Director of Finance

Essentra; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Essentra Components in the Americas region seeks an experienced Director of Finance to lead reporting, accounting, and control activities across the US and Canada from a Shared Service Center.

The role oversees monthly closes, cash flow, capex, budgeting and forecasting, and partners with Directors to drive strategic initiatives. Location options include Erie, PA or Houston, TX with a hybrid schedule (3 days in office).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance required.
• CPA/CMA/MBA or equivalent technical accounting qualification preferred.
• 10+ years of accounting/finance experience, manufacturing background valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly close, financial reporting, and governance across US/Canada.
• Manage a high‑performing finance team and drive value creation.
• Oversee working capital, cash flow, and balance sheet integrity.
• Develop budgeting, forecasting, and capex processes.
• Partner with regional leadership to execute strategic initiatives.

Skills

Financial leadership

Communication

People management

Strategic partnering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA/CMA/MBA or other technical accounting qualification

Tools

MS Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Essentra Components is a global market leader in plastic injection moulded, vinyl dip moulded and metal components. We have a history of over 65 years, producing essential components across a huge range of industries and applications.

Making it easier for our customers is our top priority. That's why we operate internationally in 29 countries across 4 continents. With every order, we offer a hassle‑free experience through our 14 manufacturing facilities, 34 distribution centres and 40 sales and service locations.

We have over 45,000 standard parts and one of the world's most extensive product offerings, all available for immediate dispatch and fast delivery.

Our product range features caps and plugs, wire and cable management, flange protection, knobs, handles and grips, access hardware, PCB and electronics hardware

Our Vision is to be "The world's leading responsible hassle‑free supplier of essential industrial components"

Summary:

The Americas Director of Finance is responsible for all financial reporting, operational accounting, and control & governance activities across the US and Canada. This individual will be leading Financial Controllers/Managers, and senior and junior accountants operating out of a Shared Service Center, which together support multiple manufacturing, supply chain and commercial functions across several financial companies. Full balance sheet, Net Working Capital, Capex, Budgeting and Forecasting and Cash Flow management ownership in partnership with Department Directors and Managers. Collaborate with leadership to develop and execute the company's strategic vision.

Location: Erie, PA or Houston, TX. This is a hybrid role that will require working in the office three (3) days per week.

Typical Accountabilities:

• Build a high performing finance team with a strong focus on value creation, innovation and business partnering; ensure strong succession planning at all levels of the Finance organization
• Direct, manage and own the timely preparation and review of site monthly financial statements. Ensure financials are reported in line with the corporate accounting manual and all elements of the reporting packages are submitted per the group accounting calendar.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of the organization's records and financial statements ensuring timely preparation and presentation as required by organizational headquarters and parent company, the Board, regulatory agencies, and for management and guidance of the business
• Establish a GL shared service center that manages a high volume of transactions (general ledger, cash management, treasury management, tax and statutory support etc.), implementation of KPI's and tracking.
• Drive operational cash flow delivery, including ownership of net working capital
• Lead all financial risk management and financial governance across the territory, including adherence to statutory requirements, IFRS/GAAP, Provision 29, etc. This includes the coordination and preparation of month‑end control files (balance sheet reconciliations); ensure the schedule of authorities is appropriately maintained and followed; banking transactions are reviewed in line with compliance procedures; review controls implemented are working effectively; reviewing, approving and validating user access in ERP's are appropriate for the business roles (new joiners, movers, etc.).
• Maintain balance sheet integrity across each financial entity, including fixed asset reviews, capex evaluation, inventory counting procedures, calculation of accurate accruals etc. Full balance sheet ownership.
• Drive continuous improvement in finance processes and capabilities, ideally to free‑up time of the wider team and/or to mitigate against identified risks in the business operating environment.
• Provide strategic financial input and leadership on decision making issues affecting the organization, such as product pricing, cost structure, fixed asset expenditures, new employee benefit programs working closely with the Region Financial Planning & Analysis department;
• Support VP of Finance and Regional FP&A with strategy, growth and latest views of profitability, including cash flow/net working capital projections
• Key senior liaison with external auditors including coordinating half‑year and year‑end responses.
• Oversee ongoing technical & professional development of the finance team; serve as subject matter expert in providing technical interpretations of the corporate accounting manual.
• Partner with other teams to problem solve and finding creative resolution of customer or vendor queries/issues to provide a hassle free experience.
• Identify, quantify and mitigate risks and opportunities.
• Lead the delivery of key finance initiatives - including organization design/implementation and finance project management.
• Support the regional FP&A, A/P and A/R organizations as required, including annual budget and reforecasting exercises, standard costing revaluation etc.
• Collaborate with VP of Finance and other senior Directors in planning the strategic direction of the business.
• Advance the financial data management systems, processes and procedures. Support the development of local US and Canada definitions of ERP's including executing transition from legacy systems to new ERP systems as needed.
• Perform related job duties as assigned and required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance is required.
• CPA/CMA/MBA or other similar technical accounting qualification.
• 10+ years of related accounting/finance experience. Experience in the manufacturing industry is preferred.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated history of progressive supervisory and/or people management experience within a multifunctional financial team. Experience supervising management-level employees is strongly preferred.
• Strong drive and ability to connect to the changing needs of the business and forward thinking in creation of solution development.
• Demonstratable knowledge of global and corporate business context. Multi‑national experience is a plus.
• Advanced MS Excel skills and experience using an ERP system.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous environments and willing to roll up sleeves to investigate issues, solve problems, and drive results.
• Successful business partnering and impactful influencing with VP/executive level stakeholders.
• Knowledge of IFRS accounting standards.
• Audit or Internal Audit experience.

What We Offer:

This role offers a competitive base salary, annual bonus target, full benefits package, and generous paid time off.