Division Controller

Schafer Industries has been a leading manufacturer of precision, high-quality machined parts since 1934. Today, Schafer Industries is well established as a premiere manufacturer of superior, low noise gears as well as axles, transaxles, brake assemblies, and other critical components for application in recreational and off-road units. Schafer Industries is one of the few manufacturers of integrated solutions in the off-road vehicle market. Some of the industries Schafer serves with customer gears, axles, and other driveline components include: aerospace, agriculture, automotive, construction, defense, gas and oil, material handling, medical instruments, mining, power train, and recreational vehicles.

Schafer Industries offers a very competitive total compensation program based on market trends. The company maintains training programs and tuition reimbursement to continually provide the opportunity for employees to enhance and improve their existing knowledge and skills.

General Summary:

The Division Controller, located in South Bend, IN, reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for Schafer Gear Works division finances in South Bend, IN. Adds value by providing financial leadership to location and working closely with operations, sales and engineering. Also works closely with Schafer Industries leadership including the CFO and CEO to support business strategy and create and execute business operating plans.

The Division Controller performs and oversees all plant accounting and financial processes. Responsible for monthly and annual close including inventory, accounts receivable, accrued expenses, fixed assets and financial statement preparation and analysis. Responsible for financial statement level budget and prior year variance analysis as well as at the customer and part level.

Essential Functions:

• Perform monthly and annual close including journal entry preparation, account reconciliations and financial statement preparation and analysis.
• Manage the accounts receivable collection process and assist with any customer delinquency issues.
• Support operations and engineering purchasing through PO review and approvals and vendor management.
• Manage customer credit memos and revenue discounts; work with operations and quality to address returns and scrap issues.
• Manage sales agent commissions and related accruals.
• Direct physical inventory observations, manage purchase of inventory to limit obsolescence, and work with Operations Leaders to lower material cost across gear plants.
• Direct cost accounting function for South Bend plants.
• Work with Operations personnel to manage and reduce variable costs including overtime and unassigned labor, tooling and supplies and equipment maintenance.
• Manage property, plant, and equipment status at the plant with the engineering group; assist with justification of acquisition or disposal of machinery and equipment.
• Directing the preparation, reporting, and analysis of the plant operating budgets and business plans.
• Review financial progress, comparing results with approved plans and prior years. Submit reports and recommendations for corrective action to the CFO and operations leadership on a regular basis.

 Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Experience and advanced training preferred.
• Desire and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional personnel.
• At least 7+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing including lean accounting, inventory management and product/customer profitability improvement.
• Highly skilled in the use of Microsoft Products including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Visual or similar manufacturing ERPs is a plus.
• Occasional Travel; approximately 10-15%.

 Schafer Industries is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We welcome job applications from qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, ancestry, family care status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other lawfully protected status. Minorities, women, disabled persons and veterans are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be able to work in the US without employer sponsorship.