Plant Controller

Brooks Automation (Brooks) is a growing, fast-paced technology leader of automation solutions supporting the dynamic and expanding semiconductor and life sciences lab markets. At Brooks, new ideas, technologies and ways of thinking are driving our future. Our customer-focused culture encourages employees to embrace innovation and collaborate with one another to achieve new heights.

We are looking for a Plant Accounting Manager as we accelerate our growth journey of our European-based Contamination Control Group (CCG).  Our CCG products enable our customers to improve yields within their semiconductor fabrication operations.

This role will be a member of the Global Operations Finance team, headquartered in Massachusetts.

This role will drive the transition of the CCG cost accounting functions from the local team in Europe to the global team in Massachusetts as part of Brooks’ initiatives to create a centralized finance team of highly credible and trusted global business partners. 
 

This role will report to the Director – Global Cost Accounting.

What You’ll Do: 

In the first 30 days, you’ll

• Travel to Steisslingen, Germany and Tägerwilen, Switzerland to build partner relationships with CCG leaders and begin developing a deep “end-to-end” understanding of the CCG business

• Shadow and observe the local CCG accountant as they perform monthly cost accounting journal entry/reconciliation procedures, on-going standard cost updates, on-going workorder reviews, and other tasks

• Perform month-to-date, quarter-to-date, and year-to-date analysis over key CCG financial results, including manufacturing variances, standard cost revaluations, purchase price variances, and other costs of goods sold

• Begin participating in the cross-functional project to operationalize a newly acquired CCG expanded manufacturing site in Steisslingen, Germany

In the first 60 days, you’ll

• Begin performing the CCG monthly cost accounting journal/reconciliation procedures and various on-going cost accounting processes

• Begin identifying/implementing points of improvement on the existing CCG cost accounting practices/internal controls and provide on-going updates to management regarding the status of implementing these improvements

In the first 120 days, you’ll

• Become the primary point-of-contact for CCG cost accounting related inquiries from any/all levels of employees  

• Standardize the review of key performance indicators and financial trends analysis to assist in management’s relational approach to decision-making

• Earn your “seat at the table” with management based on your ability to add value that extends beyond financial reporting

In the first year, you’ll

• Partner with the existing Global Operations Finance team to transition from tactically performing CCG cost accounting functions to strategically reviewing these functions

• Actively participate in Business Process Excellence initiatives in connection with the implementation of Oracle Fusion cloud-based ERP for the CCG business

• Coordinate/manage the “Big 4” CCG external audit process as it pertains to cost accounting, including oversite of the physical inventory counts

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This job has no immediate supervisory responsibilities. However, a successful candidate will have the ability to influence, persuade, and motivate employees at all levels

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting, a minimum of 5 years' financial/accounting experience; added plus if you also have an MBA, CMA or CPA

• High proficiency with Microsoft Office suite; strong working knowledge of Excel required

• Proficiency utilizing ERP systems (Oracle or similar), added plus if you also have experience with ERP system implementations

• Ability and excitement to travel to Germany/Switzerland on a quarterly-basis

• Interpersonal skills; focus on solving conflict, not blaming

• Professionalism; approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure

• Adaptability; adapt to changes in the work environment; manage competing demands

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