Job Responsibilities
The Business Unit Controller for Koppers Performance Chemicals (KPC) is a senior finance leader responsible for financial reporting, internal control compliance, operational finance, and financial decision support for a multi-site manufacturing business operating in the United States and Canada.
This role partners closely with operations and business leadership to improve profitability, strengthen controls, enhance ERP functionality, and support growth initiatives including capital investments and network optimization. The Controller is expected to drive continuous improvement in financial processes, systems, and analytics while maintaining a strong control environment.
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Financial Reporting, Close & Consolidation
- Consolidate KPC financial results, including the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flows.
- Lead month-end close activities, including approval of journal entries, review of account activity, identification of required accruals and allocations, and investigation/explanation of unbudgeted anomalies.
- Review and/or prepare month-end account reconciliations and proactively resolve unreconciled items and transactions.
Planning, Forecasting & Decision Support
- Serve as the key financial contact person with senior PC management personnel and act as a business advisor to enable them to set the strategic direction of the business.
- Participate in and lead certain aspects of the annual budget process and quarterly forecasting cycle for KPC.
- Partner with business unit leaders to develop timely and useful financial reporting to support decision-making, including sales, product margins, expense analysis, and related reporting.
Manufacturing & Cost / Operations Finance
- Closely monitor SG&A and OPEX spending, analyze variances to budget and proactively advise management regarding budgetary issues
- Analyze manufacturing costs including material, labor, overhead, logistics, and procurement across all operating locations
- Support inventory costing, variance analysis, and plant performance reporting
- Partner with operations leadership to identify cost reduction, margin improvement, and productivity opportunities
- Evaluate return on investment for capital projects, expansion initiatives, and operational and optimization improvements to support disciplined capital allocation decisions.
ERP, Data & Process Improvement
- Serve as the KPC finance lead for ERP usage, data integrity, and process optimization
- Proactively identify, design, and implement ERP and process improvements that enhance manufacturing reporting, inventory accuracy, cost visibility, and management decision-making
- Partner with Corporate Finance, IT, and Operations to improve system controls, data quality, and reporting efficiency
- Lead or support ERP enhancements related to cost accounting, inventory valuation, forecasting, and performance reporting
Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit Support (SOX)
- Ensure the maintenance of and compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley-based internal controls and the integrity of financial information.
- Provide audit deliverables and serve as a primary finance contact with internal and external auditors, including communication to support the implementation of best practices.
Leadership & Collaboration Expectations
- Demonstrate a helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented style that builds strong working relationships and a positive team environment.
- Promote cross-training within the department and support coworkers during absences and peak workload periods.
- Identify improvements, make recommendations, and promote ideas within the business transformation mindset
- Communicate effectively - listen actively, write clearly, speak accurately, and keep management and the team appropriately informed.
- Demonstrate efficiency by planning ahead, managing time well, maintaining consistent availability, being cost conscious, and continuously looking for better ways to do things.
Work Conditions
- Ability to work non-standard hours, as needed to meet business and close deadlines.
- Approximately 10% travel expected
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance or related discipline; CPA or MBA preferred
At least eight years of experience with a public accounting firm or private industrial company
Experience with Sarbanes-Oxley internal accounting control procedures and processes
Strong U.S. GAAP technical knowledge and ability to research technical guidance
Experience and/or education in manufacturing preferred
Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), report writing applications, data extraction logic, and ERP functionality, with knowledge of the following applications strongly favored:
Oracle Fusion ERP
Microsoft Dynamics NAV/Business Central
Excel data cubes
Inventory and manufacturing cost accounting knowledge required
Must possess the ability to work independently and be a self-starter
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
Strong analytical and reasoning skills
Koppers Inc. and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category or characteristic protected by federal law, state or local law.