Pensacola Site Controller

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers.  Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Europe and China.  As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies.  Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

We are seeking an experienced Site Controller to support Ascend and Guest owned units at our Pensacola, FL manufacturing site.

As a key member of the Finance and Site Leadership Teams, the site Controller will provide leadership and accountability for all financial aspects of the Pensacola operation in order to drive continuous operational improvement by building a team capable of engaged business partnering, robust analytics, timely/accurate accounting and possessing strong business acumen.  He/she is responsible for plant level costs and controls including cost accounting and cost analysis. The Site Controller will lead the budgeting/forecasting processes, month-end close and special projects as requested.  The Controller also works closely with department leaders to understand issues and how they impact the financial results as well as educate/inform department(s) on cost drivers and variances.  The Controller will have strong business partnering and leadership capabilities and will join a solid team of professionals on the Site Leadership Team.   The Plant Controller will report directly to the Operations Finance Director and will also support the Pensacola Site Director in day to day execution

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Lead the site team in developing and achieving our financial goals
• Provide key analysis and data that drive better decision making
• Ensure the site has strong internal controls that protect our assets
• Champion a culture of A2E (Six Sigma) in all our thinking and processes

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

 Business Partnering

• Act as business partner with the Site Leadership Team to help drive business improvements
• Prepare impactful management information and reporting for use by business partners in managing their business and for communicating key results, issues, and challenges to the Plant Manager and Chemicals Business Team
• Create cross functional collaboration and support for key ideas and initiatives by liaising with various cross functional roles such as corporate accounting, procurement, logistics and other financial functions on behalf of the plant and/or business partners

Business Performance Management

• Analyze performance and financials for the site on a weekly, monthly and annual or ad hoc basis
• Identify risk & opportunities in achieving annual targets
• Use various information systems such as SAP, BW, BPC and Microsoft Office Suite to extract needed data and turn it into analyzed information, conclusions and recommendations
• Generate scorecards that drive improved performance
• Support and deliver key projects/initiatives with robust analysis, commercial insight and creative problem solving
• Advise business on key financial topics (cash management, tax, accounting, etc.)
• Manage guest contracts, ensuring maximum recovery from our Guest operations

Financial Cost Analysis, Forecasting and Budgeting

• Identify and assess key value drivers, risks, and opportunities in order to maximize production levels
• Advise site leadership team and operations on financial impact of decisions and recommend best course of action based on knowledge and analysis
• Provide analytical expertise to analyze and assist in tracking of cost reduction activities, and capacity expansion/rationalization projects
• Lead a team of analyst to complete monthly closing activities, which include computing monthly standards, making journal entries, performing variance analysis, reconciling accounts
• Coordinate the site’s annual budgeting and planning process.
• Coordinate/participate in the operations forecasting process (production changes and material cost assumptions) and projected impact to the assigned manufacturing plants/business group
• Produce cost estimates of Capital projects, identify risks, exposures, and provide guidance on project agreements
• Support and deliver key projects/initiatives with robust analysis, commercial insight and creative problem solving

TEAM

• Reports to Nylon Business Unit CFO
• Leads a team of 5 direct reports

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in a Technical area, Business, Finance or Accounting
• 10+ years of experience in business, accounting, financial planning with data analysis
• 5+ years of experience leading a finance team at a large \ complex  manufacturing site.
• Advanced analytical skills
• Proven skills with databased software and ERP packages such as SAP (experience desirable) or JD Edward, Hyperion, BPC or other.
• History in building performance relationships and partnering with those outside of accounting
• Ability to assimilate disparate information to develop detailed analysis and options

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Proactive and willing to get involved in projects outside of comfort level and ability to involve others in the solution process.
• Proven problem solving skills. Ability to break a problem down to its component parts and resolve issues allowing for a solution beneficial to all involved.
• Results oriented and able to keep all stakeholders involved in the progress towards completion of the tasks and be focused on the end game. 
• Demonstrated ability to impact and influence others both inside and outside of the function to get to the best solution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and work in a collaborative manner with diverse cross-functional and cross-business teams.

At Ascend Performance Materials, we value transparency and fairness in our hiring process. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, search firms, or staffing agencies. Any resumes received from such entities will be considered the property of Ascend Performance Materials, and we will not be obligated to pay any fees for such submissions. Our Talent Acquisition Team actively engages with preferred recruitment partners who have established agreements with us. We encourage all interested candidates to apply directly through our official channels to be considered for any open positions.

About Us:

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business.

Why work at Ascend?

Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values.

We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities ​​for community engagement and facilitates community leadership.

Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members.

Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs

Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges.

One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.