Executive Director of Finance

The Executive Director of Finance assumes an important role in the overall management, growth, and strategic direction for all BILSTEIN of America locations and all business segments (Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM), Aftermarket & Defense). This role has primary day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all financial related activities of the company to include direct responsibility for the Accounting & Finance, Procurement & IT departments. Critical outcomes include supporting BILSTEIN of America locations with key financial information and operational analytics, driving a culture of accountability in managing the business and adding value.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as the chief financial spokesperson for the organization while steering and guiding BILSTEIN of America’s vision and strategy for the future with the respective leadership teams.
• Provides strategic financial input and leadership on decision-making issues affecting the organization (e.g., growth, new markets, evaluation of potential alliances, employee benefits, and investments) for the OEM, Aftermarket & Defense business segments.
• Interacts closely and directly with BILSTEIN of America’s management teams and the Business Unit (BU) Board.
• Maintains a high-performance financial organization through continual process improvement, adoption of appropriate best practices, and development and oversight of the management team.
• Ensures a valid cost structure for BILSTEIN of America by monitoring cost center budgets, overhead calculations, and material cost development.
• Identifies the key financial levers in the business and manages a metrics-driven financial model to measure results effectively and consistently.
• Continually challenges the financial models to ensure strong internal metrics exist to facilitate better risk-based decision-making and focus on the highest impact priorities.
• Oversees all accounting and financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and analysis.
• Monitors internal controls and implements new processes and procedures as appropriate.
• Oversees the acquisition process of new business from the financial perspective and manages Change Tasks.
• Responsible for all tax and cash management activities for the company.
• Leads and directs the financial planning and analysis function, including revenue forecasting, margin analysis, and budgeting.
• Manages finance, accounting, and compliance functions with the necessary processes and internal controls to safeguard corporate assets.
• Owns financial aspects of project control, including cost tracking, time reporting, revenue tagging to projects, and product/project/customer margin analysis.
• Continually improves the timeliness and accuracy of the company’s cash flow management, billing, collections process, and month-end, quarterly, and year-end closings.
• Develops a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism that includes a minimum cash threshold to meet the operating needs of the company.
• Directs the management of the Accounting & Finance, Procurement & IT teams for BILSTEIN of America, providing necessary coaching, training, and staff development.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting or equivalent in education and experience.
• Substantial progressive experience as a Controller, Senior Accounting Manager or prior public accounting experience in a manufacturing or industrial distribution environment with demonstrated in-depth knowledge of cost accounting.
• Experience with traditional OEMs & Aftermarket business models is highly preferred
• Experience operating in a range of economic conditions, i.e., expansion, contraction, stable economic conditionsforecasting, scenario planning, risk analysis and contingency development.
• Strong financial acumen with demonstrated analytical ability accompanied by knowledge of corporate finance and manufacturing costing principlesunderstands P&L and balance sheet dynamics.
• Strong working knowledge, understanding and experience utilizing GAAP and IFRS accounting rules and regulations.
• Considerable experience and knowledge in manufacturing accounting software/systems and reporting tools.
• Proven ability to read and interpret documents as well as write routine reports and correspondence.
• Demonstrated experience managing within multiple locations and currencies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of staff and management in the most professional and politically correct manner. Possesses strong presentation skills and is comfortable and adept at communicating to and influencing opinion in large groups.
• Demonstrated proficiency in analyzing financial data and preparing financial reports, statements and projections. Superior analytical skills and intellectual curiosity to develop and maintain complex financial models.
• Strong, proven effective hands-on leader that garners trust and loyalty from subordinates and possesses and displays integrity and ethics that are beyond reproach. Proven ability to build strong business relationships at all levels throughout an organization.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong ERP Skills, highly desirable to have extensive experience with SAP.
• Strategic thinker that has effectively translated strategies into financial plans.
• Must be willing to travel internationally multiple times per year.

Bilstein has great benefits to offer!

• A state-of-the-art OE manufacturing plant with a strong focus on safety and cleanliness.
• Multiple competitive Health, Dental & Vision Coverage options.
• 401K matching program.
• Paid time off + 13 paid holidays.
• Paid volunteer hours.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• Gym reimbursement.
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Internal growth opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discounted BILSTEIN products.

Job applications must be submitted online. You can find all current job openings on our career site at: https://jobs.thyssenkrupp.com/en

If you are an applicant with a California residency, please click on the following link: California Job Applicant Notice of Collection