Controller, Smith Blair

Xylem • Texarkana, AR

2d • $140,000 - $160,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Controller, Smith-Blair is the senior finance leader responsible for the business’s overall financial management and performance. Partnering closely with the General Manager and leadership team, the Controller drives financial strategy, supports operational excellence, and enables informed decision-making to fuel profitable growth. The role is based onsite at 30 Globe Ave, Texarkana, Arkansas.

The Controller leads financial reporting and controllership, planning and forecasting, operational finance, working capital management, compliance, and governance. The role partners across commercial, operations, supply chain, engineering, and product management teams, and leads, coaches, and develops the Smith-Blair finance team. Xylem does not provide sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• At least 8 years of progressive finance, accounting, or controllership experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and operational environments.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and business partnering.
• Strong leadership and people development capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, financial reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

Nice To Haves

• CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree or professional certification.
• Prior experience in industrial manufacturing or engineered products businesses.
• Experience supporting inventory-intensive operations.
• Knowledge of SAP, OneStream, Power BI, or similar systems.
• Experience leading finance transformation and process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities for Smith-Blair.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and complete financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and Xylem accounting policies.
• Certify financial results and maintain a strong control environment in compliance with SOX requirements.
• Improve close processes, reporting quality, and financial transparency.
• Coordinate internal and external audit requirements and resolve audit findings promptly.
• Maintain ownership of balance sheet integrity, account reconciliations, and financial compliance processes.
• Partner with the Smith-Blair General Manager and leadership team on business and financial matters.
• Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis, scenario modeling, and operational insights.
• Partner with commercial, operations, supply chain, engineering, and product management teams to improve business performance.
• Recommend actions to improve revenue growth, profitability, working capital, and return on invested capital.
• Promote fact-based decisions through operational and financial performance metrics.
• Lead the Annual Operating Plan, quarterly forecasting, and Long-Range Planning activities.
• Develop forecasting processes to improve predictability and accountability.
• Analyze business performance, explain variances, and provide corrective action plans.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to orders, revenue, gross margin, EBITDA, inventory, backlog, and working capital.
• Support growth initiatives, productivity programs, and strategic investments.
• Improve inventory management, receivables collection, payables management, and overall working capital performance.
• Partner with operations and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels and backlog conversion.
• Lead working capital forecasting and support improvement initiatives; identify related risks and opportunities.
• Ensure adherence to Xylem financial policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Maintain effective financial controls and risk management processes.
• Manage statutory reporting and support compliance with applicable tax and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure appropriate documentation of business processes and financial controls.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Smith-Blair finance team; promote accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and business partnership.
• Drive employee development, succession planning, and talent growth within the finance organization.
• Foster engagement and alignment with Xylem’s High Impact Culture.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, including coverage from day one.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave, maternity support, and fertility benefits.
• Emotional health and wellness programs.
• Paid volunteer program (Xylem Watermark).
• Career development and advancement opportunities.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness.
• Employee recognition and discount programs.
• Flexibility and hybrid work options where applicable.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior