Assistant Corporate Controller USA

First Solar (US)•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset. Supports maintaining the company’s global books, records, and financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and other regional bases of accounting, as applicable. Also manages several aspects of the company’s accounting function, including the general ledger, fixed assets, revenue/accounts receivable, accounts payable, consolidations, and intercompany accounting. Manages the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial information is provided to internal and external stakeholders. Oversees the company’s ERP and financial reporting systems as part of these responsibilities and provides strategic governance related to financial systems and master data. Supports the management of the global accounting team, including international teams in various regions. Collaborates across departments, builds professional relationships, and provides insights to enhance financial operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, required.
Certified public accountant (or equivalent international designation), required.
10+ years combined experience working for large, multinational companies and / or public accounting firms.
Experience working for (or with) publicly traded companies.
Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC rules and regulations, consolidations, and internal controls.
Financially astute with strong numerical proficiency and excellent use of logic.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and management skills.
Process oriented with strong continuous improvement, problem solving, and change management capabilities.
Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment and navigating different organizational levels.
Capability to lead, attract, develop, and retain a high-performing team.
Proficient use of all Microsoft Office suite programs.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in accounting or finance, preferred.
Experience in the renewable energy, manufacturing, and / or technology industries, preferred.
Experience working with international teams, Asia preferred.
Working knowledge of major ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, etc.), preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage several global accounting functions, including the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, company accounting policies, other regional bases of accounting, internal controls, and other compliance matters.
Oversee regional accounting matters relating to international jurisdictions, including statutory reporting.
Maintain strong understanding of the company, its strategy, and the relevant market/industry to ensure the accounting function is aligned with business activities.
Oversee ERP and financial reporting system implementations and upgrades; provide governance over master data elements and other system changes.
Drive process improvement projects and change management to create scalable best practices and system solutions by collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Identify and research complex accounting issues, including partnering with the technical accounting team on the implementation of new accounting standards or the accounting for non-standard transactions, such as acquisitions and divestitures.
Serve as a resource for the business in reviewing the accounting for significant sales and other contracts, including communicating key impacts and observations to executive management and other stakeholders.
Serve as a finance partner to various business functions and engage with executive management on financial matters.
Other duties as assigned.