Operations Controller

ITW•Gallatin, TN

About The Position

The Operations Controller leads financial reporting, analysis, planning, and business-partnering activities for ITW StampTech Fastener Division, which serves North American automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers. The division supplies stamped metal fasteners and engineered assemblies using deep-draw stamping technologies, with manufacturing operations in Gallatin, Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; and Naugatuck, Connecticut. The role ensures the integrity of ITW enterprise and internal management reporting, supports compliance with ITW policies, internal controls, and GAAP, and provides financial and operational insights to inform business decisions. The Operations Controller mentors the Accounting Manager and Financial Analyst, partners with plant and division leaders, and leads forecasting, planning, performance review, working-capital improvement, and process-simplification initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent industry experience.
At least 5 years of accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory management, and standard-costing environments.
Ability to adhere to deadlines, manage conflicting priorities, and work under pressure.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
ERP experience required.

Nice To Haves

Previous supervisory or team-leadership experience.
CPA, CMA, or MBA.
SAP experience.

Responsibilities

Lead preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, ensuring reporting integrity and providing analysis to support business performance and decision-making.
Mentor the Accounting Manager in leading day-to-day accounting and financial reporting while maintaining compliance with ITW policies, internal controls, and GAAP.
Coach and develop the Financial Analyst, including analytical skills and participation in cross-functional business initiatives.
Develop, monitor, and communicate operational performance metrics, including labor productivity, material productivity, inventory performance, sourcing initiatives, and manufacturing cost performance.
Coordinate monthly analysis of financial and operational variances against Outlook, Annual Plan, and prior-year results, partnering with relevant teams and leaders to understand drivers, communicate insights, identify improvements, and align forecasts.
Lead the monthly business review process, aligning operational performance, financial results, forecasting assumptions, and strategic priorities.
Lead the monthly Outlook, Annual Plan, and Long-Range Plan through operational and financial analysis across the Division.
Partner with Plant Leadership and the Division Sourcing Manager to identify and execute productivity and cost-reduction opportunities.
Develop financial models and business cases for capital investments, productivity projects, automation initiatives, and strategic opportunities.
Monitor and improve working-capital performance through analysis of inventory, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.
Lead initiatives to improve inventory management, working-capital performance, and cash generation.
Drive continuous improvement to simplify reporting, eliminate manual activities, and improve organizational productivity.
Partner with the Commercial Finance Manager to simplify and automate operational reporting and maintain reporting tools, dashboards, and data warehouse solutions that improve operational visibility and forecast accuracy.