North America BU Controller: Finance & Ops Leader

ZipApply; Lake Bluff (IL); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Buehler, a division of ITW, is seeking a skilled Business Unit Controller for North America to lead the accounting function and financial reporting for the unit. The role emphasizes internal controls, inventory management, budgeting, forecasting, and data-driven analysis to support strategic decisions.

Based in Illinois, this on-site position reports to the Global Division Controller and requires collaboration with Operations and Finance teams to drive continuous improvement and ITW toolbox

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 7+ years of relevant manufacturing industry experience.
• Strong GAAP knowledge.
• Advanced MS Excel and data mining.
• Experience with SQL and Dynamics NAV preferred.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end close, journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and data integrity under ITW policies.
• Lead accounting team with performance management.
• Oversee inventory accounting and physical counts.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Prepare quarterly sales commission calculations.
• Collaborate with divisions on operational and strategic issues.

Skills

Accounting

Finance

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics NAV

SQL

MS Excel

Job description

Job Description: Buehler, a division of Illinois Tool Works, is a leading manufacturer of scientific equipment and supplies for use in material analysis. Over the past 90 years, Buehler has established sales, manufacturing and laboratory services located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Comprised of world-class products and brands, such as Wilson Hardness, Buehler continues a long history of providing market-leading technology to support our customers in their sample preparation and material analysis applications. Buehler’s parent company, ITW, is a Fortune 200 global diversified industrial manufacturer of value-added consumables and specialty equipment with related service businesses. The Company focuses on profitable growth with strong returns across worldwide platforms and businesses. The businesses serve local customers and markets around the globe, with a significant presence in developed as well as emerging markets The key position of Business Unit Controller for North America will report directly to the Global Division Controller and will be responsible for all aspects of the accounting function and financial reporting for the business unit, including maintaining internal controls, managing a small accounting team, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis. The BU Controller will be expected to be a champion of the ITW toolbox that promotes simplification, continuous improvement and prioritizing significant issues/opportunities.

• Manage the month-end close process. Prepare/review monthly journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting documentation. Drive the month-end financial review with the Division Controller.
• Ensure accuracy of financial records and integrity of data as required in accordance with ITW policy and GAAP. Ensure application of ITW top thirteen controls.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the accounting team through goal-setting, performance management and day-to-day coaching and development. Review direct reports’ account reconciliation and support, signing off on end result.
• Manage all financial aspects of the inventory including inventory reconciliation, annual physical inventory, slow & obsolete reporting, and inventory management in cooperation with the operations teams. Measure, monitor and analyze inventory trends, and drive improvement.
• Support the monthly/quarterly forecasting process by eliciting input from throughout the organization to provide an accurate financial picture of the business unit.
• Prepare Quarterly Sales Commission calculations and facilitate approvals and payments with Human Resources.
• Lead financial planning activities for Annual Plan and Long-Range Plan under the direction of the Division Controller.
• Manage day-to-day accounting activities including accounts receivable, accounts payable, expense approval and reporting, capital projects, and fixed assets monitoring.
• Partner with Division leadership on all operational and strategic issues as they arise; provide strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections. Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• 7+ years of relevant experience; manufacturing industry preferred
• Detailed orientated, organized, and able to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Strong PC skills, data mining skills, system savvy and advanced understanding of MS Excel
• Knowledge of SQL and Microsoft Dynamics NAV preferred
• International experience, a plus but not required
• Good communication skills; proven experience working cross-functionally
• Understanding of GAAP.
• Prior experience managing account receivables/payable team, a plus
• Some international travel possible.
• Ability to work on-site for collaborative opportunities on occasion Compensation Information: The base salary for this position is $122,000-$140,000. This position is also eligible to participate in an annual incentive plan. Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.