Business Unit Controller

Fortune Brands•Deerfield, IL

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Water Business Unit (BU) Controller is responsible for leading the accounting function for the global Water business unit, supporting a diverse portfolio of leading brands including Moen, House of Rohl, Emtek, Riobel, and Aqualisa. This role partners closely with brand and business leaders to ensure strong financial governance, accurate reporting, and scalable accounting practices that enable growth across the portfolio. The Water BU Controller supports a geographically distributed organization, including accounting teams based in EMEA, Deerfield, Illinois, and Mexico, and is accountable for driving alignment, consistency, and strong controls across regions and brands. The role reports directly to the Chief Accounting Officer and works closely with the CFO, Water, VP Operations Finance, and other members of the Water business unit leadership team. This leader ensures financial integrity and compliance across a complex, international organization while serving as a trusted strategic business partner to the Water leadership team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Minimum of 12 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership roles in complex, global organizations.
At least 5 years of people management experience.
Strong background in internal controls, financial integrity, and operating within a regulated, public company environment.
Proven ability to partner with senior business leaders and influence outcomes through collaboration and sound judgment.
Experience balancing strategic leadership with operational execution.
Strong ethical standards and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and financial stewardship.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to lead and develop teams around a shared vision.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, anticipate risks, and proactively address challenges.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%.

Nice To Haves

A CPA is strongly preferred and experience in public accounting is a plus.
Global financial experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee all aspects of the accounting and controllership functions for the global Water business unit.
Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end GAAP and statutory reporting processes, including required SEC disclosures.
Serve as a strategic accounting partner to the business, providing guidance on new business strategies, transactions, and growth initiatives.
Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and Fortune Brands accounting policies, maintaining strong internal controls across the organization.
Act as the primary liaison with internal and external auditors; ensure timely resolution and implementation of audit findings and recommendations.
Ensure all transactions, assets, and liabilities are properly recorded and stated.
Establish effective communication and collaboration across a global, international accounting organization, leveraging shared services and global resources.
Ensure timely statutory filings and regulatory compliance across international entities.
Oversee and continuously improve month-end close processes to drive efficiency while maintaining accuracy and control integrity.
Provide accounting leadership and support for mergers, acquisitions, integrations, and other strategic initiatives.
Maintain deep technical accounting expertise by staying current on newly issued and emerging accounting standards and regulations.
Provide post-implementation ownership of enterprise financial systems, including governance, optimization, and continuous process improvement.
Align accounting responsibilities within the Water business under a cohesive controllership model.
Recruit, coach, develop, and retain a diverse, high-performing global accounting team, building strong succession and capability for the future.