Controller, Smith Blair
About The Position
The Controller, Smith-Blair is the senior finance leader responsible for the overall financial management and performance of the business. Partnering closely with the General Manager and leadership team, this role drives financial strategy, supports operational excellence, and enables informed decision-making that fuels profitable growth. The position is onsite at 30 Globe Ave, Texarkana, AR 71854. The Controller leads financial close and reporting, business and operational finance, planning and forecasting, working capital management, compliance and governance, and development of the Smith-Blair finance team. The role works with commercial, operations, supply chain, engineering, and product management teams to improve performance and deliver growth, productivity, margin expansion, and working capital results. It is expected to uphold Xylem’s financial policies, controls, and governance requirements and to operate with integrity and professionalism. Xylem is a global water solutions company with 23,000 employees operating in more than 150 countries. The company develops technology solutions for water usage, conservation, and reuse, serving public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings. Xylem promotes inclusion and belonging and offers a paid volunteer program through Xylem Watermark.
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.
- 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 compliant with SOX requirements.
- Improve close processes, reporting quality, and financial transparency.
- Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure prompt resolution of findings.
- Maintain balance sheet integrity, account reconciliations, and financial compliance processes.
- Partner with the General Manager and leadership team on financial and business matters.
- Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis, scenario modeling, and operational insights.
- Collaborate 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 using operational and financial performance metrics.
- Lead the Annual Operating Plan, quarterly forecasting, and Long-Range Planning activities.
- Develop forecasting processes that improve predictability and accountability.
- Analyze performance, explain variances, and develop corrective action plans.
- Establish and monitor KPIs for 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 to optimize inventory 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 applicable tax and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure appropriate documentation of business processes and financial controls.
- Lead, coach, and develop the Smith-Blair finance team and 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, including coverage from day one.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution.
- Paid time off or flexible time off and paid holidays.
- Paid parental leave, maternity support, and fertility benefits.
- Tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness.
- Emotional health and wellness programs.
- Paid volunteer program through Xylem Watermark.
- Career development and advancement opportunities.
- Employee recognition and discount programs.
- Bonus in addition to the stated salary range.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
