Business Unit Controller

Company Overview

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operate collectively as a “Bridgestone West” strategic region. This region services the strategic business needs of teams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. BSAM and BSEMEA are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Corporation, globally headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be

We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they bring their whole self to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.

Finance

The Business Unit Controller is an important and new role to the accounting function of Bridgestone Americas. In addition to the main responsibilities of being responsible for all accounting activities for the Bridgestone Retail Operations (BSRO) and Bridgestone Mobility Solutions (BMS), the candidate in this role will be part of a team that will be able to refine and shape the standards and processes across operational finance, the Bridgestone Business Shared Service Center (BBS) and corporate accounting.
The Business Unit Controller is responsible for all aspects of accounting, reporting and internal controls for BSRO and BMS. The controller will hold the primary responsibility of maintaining the integrity of the financial information. The Business Unit Controller will manage a team of 15+ individuals globally (direct and indirect).

• Guides financial decisions by establishing, monitoring, and enforcing policies and procedures including compliance with IFRS and Japan’s Financial Instruments and Exchange Law (J-SOX) as well as the appropriate internal control structure.
• Responsible for the accounting close process and sub consolidation of the Divisional results
• Research and document technical accounting issues working with the Technical Accounting Team
• Perform monthly analytical reviews of the balance sheet and income statement
• Manage and review the J-SOX validation/documentation for key monitoring controls
• Facilitate financial systems implementations and updates
• Leads quarterly accounting reviews with Corporate
• Coordinate and facilitate the internal and external audit process; implement findings where appropriate
• Supports the quarterly reporting process to Japan which feeds externally filed Japanese financial statements
• Works with internal controls to leads quarterly certification of financial information and management representation letters
• Lead project teams on the adoption of new accounting pronouncements at the divisional level
• Prepares special reports including ad hoc requests by collecting, analysing, and summarizing information and trends
• Provides status of financial condition by collecting, interpreting, and reporting financial data
• Responsible for the professional development of the Divisional Accounting team including recruiting, coaching, mentoring and providing the appropriate platform for career advancement

Leadership characteristics:

• A hands-on style and a “whatever it takes” attitude to get things done
• Strategic thinker, able to see the big picture while maintaining attention to detail
• Strong intellect with an organized analytical approach
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to work closely with local finance teams, operational leaders and corporate headquarters staff
• A person of high character; is consistent and acts in line with a clear and visible set of values, is direct and truthful with strong integrity
• Excellent leadership and organizational capabilities together with a collaborative style
• Leadership Skills: This individual should be known as a leader and have proven ability to work in cross-functional teams. He/she should have the capability and desire to take on broader roles in the Finance organization. Additionally, this individual should understand and manage cultural differences inherent in a highly diverse international business, naturally building relationships across the organization through collaboration, consensus building and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Ability to travel as needed

Required:

• 7+ years of progressive accounting and leadership experience
• Bachelor degree in accounting or finance
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, IFRS and SOX requirements
• Prior experience in public accounting is preferred; however, a qualification (CPA) is required
• Experience working with senior financial leaders as well as hands on exposure to the business

What we offer

At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
• A diverse and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.