Finance Controller

CEL • Williamsburg, VA

2d

About The Position

CEL Critical Power is seeking a Finance Controller for a senior finance leadership role in a high-growth, project-driven manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will lead the US finance function and partner with operations, production, supply chain, engineering, project management, executive leadership, and Group Finance teams in Ireland and the US. The role will help build scalable finance infrastructure to support substantial US growth in the data center sector.

The position combines financial control and compliance, manufacturing and project accounting, working capital and cash-flow management, commercial finance, operational partnering, systems and process improvement, and leadership in a fast-scaling business. CEL is an Irish-based manufacturer, distributor, and exporter of electrical switchgear, controls, and related products and services, with operations across multiple geographic locations and a focus on the global data center industry.

The Finance Controller will lead US financial operations and reporting, oversee project accounting for engineered-to-order manufacturing contracts, manage cash and working capital, and provide commercial insight to operational and project leaders. The role also supports finance process automation and reporting improvements, including the rollout and optimisation of SAP Business ByDesign and Power BI, and will build and develop the US finance team over time.

Success in the role includes accurate and timely month-end close, improved cash conversion and working capital performance, increased visibility and control of project profitability, strong financial governance and audit readiness, more accurate operational finance reporting and KPIs, and scalable finance processes that support rapid US growth.

Requirements

• 7–15+ years of finance experience, with progression into senior finance leadership.
• Experience in manufacturing, engineered products, construction, industrial projects, or related sectors.
• Strong understanding of project accounting and operational finance.
• Experience managing working capital in project-based environments.
• Strong financial control and reporting background.
• Experience operating in a scaling or fast-growth business environment.
• ERP experience is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.

Nice To Haves

• SAP Business ByDesign experience.
• Exposure to data center, electrical, modular construction, or industrial manufacturing sectors.
• Multi-entity or international group experience.
• Experience with percentage-of-completion accounting.
• Exposure to US sales tax compliance and multi-state operations.
• Experience supporting operational KPI and Power BI reporting environments.
• CPA or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all US finance operations, including month-end close, reporting, controls, and compliance.
• Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts.
• Maintain robust balance sheet reconciliations and financial governance.
• Manage US statutory, sales tax, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Support annual audits and manage relationships with external advisors.
• Maintain strong internal controls in a rapidly scaling environment.
• Oversee project accounting for large-scale engineered-to-order manufacturing contracts.
• Monitor revenue recognition using percentage-of-completion methodologies.
• Manage work in progress, accrued revenue, deferred revenue, and project margin reporting.
• Partner with operations to improve labor utilisation, productivity, and project costing accuracy.
• Improve visibility around material usage, scrap recovery, manufacturing variances, and cost controls.
• Support inventory accuracy, valuation, and operational finance reporting.
• Lead US cash-flow forecasting and liquidity planning.
• Manage debtor collections, milestone billing, and customer cash conversion.
• Monitor days sales outstanding, inventory turns, and supplier payment performance.
• Support banking relationships and financing initiatives, including working capital facilities and asset-based lending structures.
• Partner with project managers and operational leaders on profitability, risk, and execution.
• Support bid reviews, commercial assessments, and contract governance.
• Provide financial insight into pricing, margins, and operational performance.
• Drive operational accountability through KPI reporting and business analytics.
• Improve finance processes, controls, and reporting automation.
• Support continued rollout and optimisation of SAP Business ByDesign and Power BI reporting.
• Develop scalable reporting structures for a growing, multi-site US operation.
• Assist in developing integrated labor, production, and project performance reporting.
• Build and develop the US finance team over time.
• Act as a key member of the US leadership team and foster a high-accountability, hands-on, solutions-focused culture.
• Work closely with Group Finance and leadership teams across Ireland and the US.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development, training, and career advancement opportunities.
• Leadership opportunities and long-term career progression.
• High-impact role with significant autonomy.
• Exposure to major hyperscale and AI infrastructure projects.
• Collaborative international leadership environment.
• Dynamic and innovative work environment.

What This Job Offers

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