Finance Controller, Global

Finance Controller, Global

Location: Pittsburgh, PA (Remote flexibility based on candidate profile)
Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer

The Role

The Global Finance Controller leads the company’s global accounting, financial reporting, tax, internal controls, and compliance functions. This role is responsible for the end-to-end execution and continuous improvement of core accounting processes, including Order-to-Cash, Procure-to-Pay, Record-to-Report, tax, and international statutory reporting.

As a key member of the finance leadership team, the Controller ensures the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial results in compliance with U.S. GAAP, local statutory requirements, and Fortive policies. This leader will drive a culture of strong internal controls, operational excellence, and accountability across all regions, while enabling scalable processes to support business growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accounting Operations

• Lead global accounting operations across Order-to-Cash, Procure-to-Pay, and Record-to-Report cycles, including AP, T&E, billing, collections, fixed assets, intercompany, payroll accounting, and tax
• Deliver operational KPIs and ensure consistent execution of standard work and best practices across all accounting processes
• Partner cross-functionally (Legal, HR, Commercial, Operations) to define and document accounting policies and positions for key business activities
• Proactively identify financial risks and opportunities through deep collaboration with business partners

2. Financial Reporting

• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and timeliness of financial reporting
• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, intercompany eliminations, and variance analyses
• Drive accountability for close cycle performance, including achieving target “days to close”
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, Fortive policies, SEC requirements (as applicable), and local statutory reporting standards
• Partner with FP&A to align accounting outcomes with forecasting, budgeting, and performance analysis

3. Compliance & Control 

• Establish, strengthen, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal control frameworks
• Lead SOX compliance activities, including scoping, testing, and documentation
• Serve as primary liaison for internal and external audits, including Fortive internal reviews
• Drive cross-functional alignment to continuously enhance controls, mitigate risk, and improve process integrity

4. Cash flow management and capital allocation

• Partner with Finance to enhance cash flow forecasting and optimize Free Cash Flow (FCF) performance, including Capital Expenditure management. 
• Collaborate with Commercial, Procurement, and Operations teams to drive working capital improvements
• Support M&A activities, including financial due diligence, opening balance sheet validation, cash settlement, integration, and control deployment

5. Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing global accounting organization across Americas, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM
• Foster a culture of accountability, standardization, compliance and continuous improvement
• Drive process optimization and automation leveraging ERP and analytics platforms (Oracle ERP, Oracle Analytics Cloud, OneStream, Power BI)
• Strengthen global accounting capabilities through coaching, mentorship, and consistent operating rhythms

Qualifications

• Experience:
  • 15+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience with a strong record of growth and leadership
  • 5+ years leading global, multi-regional teams in a complex environment
  • Experience in fast-paced, multi-entity industries (e.g., manufacturing, technology, or software/services) preferred
• Certifications & Technical Skills: 
  • CPA required; Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (or equivalent) required
  • Experience with ERP systems (Oracle preferred) and consolidation tools (e.g., OneStream, Hyperion, HFM)
  • Experience with BI tools (Oracle Analytics Cloud, Power BI)
  • Big 4 experience and strong technical accounting expertise preferred
• Global Business Acumen:
  • Proven experience supporting international operations and cross-border finance activities
  • Strong judgment in navigating complex accounting and business issues
  • Familiarity with currency exposure and non-U.S. statutory reporting preferred
• Leadership & Communication:
  • Demonstrated success building and developing high-performing global teams
  • Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels, with strong attention to detail
  • Proven track record of driving process improvements and accelerating close cycles
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across functions and regions
• Personal Attributes:
  • Strategic, yet hands-on leader with strong execution focus
  • High integrity, accountability, and ownership mindset
  • Resilient and adaptable in dynamic, fast-paced environments
  • Strong problem-solving skills and continuous improvement orientation