Operations Controller

Arxada is a global specialty chemicals business that’s committed to solving the world’s toughest preservation challenges through better science. With a proud history of innovation dating back more than a century, we aim to help our customers develop more sustainable solutions that protect and maintain the health and wellbeing of people and extend the life of vital infrastructure while working to reduce our and our customers’ ecological footprint.

Sustainable preservation is one of our top priorities. We are making significant strategic investments that will not only decrease our own environmental footprint, but also help customers adapt to long-term environmental and social change through the development of cleaner, greener solutions.

We are seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Integrated Operations (IO) Controller to join our dynamic team. This role bridges the gap between finance, operations, and business analytics, driving value by delivering actionable insights and ensuring financial targets are met. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in corporate finance with a focus on operations, a knack for effective cross-departmental collaboration, and expertise in turning complex data into strategic opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Oversee monthly financial reporting for MCS and NCE business units, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

• Analyze manufacturing variances (Material Price Variance, Production Order Variance, Absorption Variance, and others) and provide meaningful insights at the site level.

• Prepare monthly outlook updates, comparing actuals against forecasts and targets, identifying key deviations.

• Consolidate inventory value adjustments and track financial performance indicators to support operational efficiency.

Business Partnering & Cross-Functional Communication

• Collaborate with Site Controllers, Cost Accountants, and Supply Chain colleagues to ensure accurate variance analysis and reporting.

• Partner with BU Controlling, Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Marketing to drive financial performance and optimize resources.

• Provide insights to Corporate Accounting, Shared Service Centers, and Investor Relations for reporting and compliance purposes.

• Support internal and external audit processes, ensuring alignment with financial regulations and internal controls.

Financial Modeling & Strategic Support

• Lead large CapEx project financial modeling, including site expansions, consolidations, and shutdowns.

• Develop models for sales growth initiatives and operational investments, ensuring financial viability and strategic alignment.

• Work closely with M&A teams to assess operational impacts and integration strategies.

Annual Target Process & Forecasting

• Coordinate all aspects of the Target process for manufacturing sites, including FTE planning, cost center planning, and SAP-based financial updates.

• Prepare target decks and bridge analysis, providing clear insights on cost structure evolution and operational efficiencies.

• Maintain continuous communication with stakeholders to ensure alignment on financial expectations and strategic initiatives.

Process Improvement & Special Projects

• Identify opportunities for financial process improvements and system enhancements (SAP, OneStream, Power BI).

• Lead deep-dive financial reviews on key cost drivers such as Freight, Transfer Pricing, and other operational expenses.

• Develop training programs for new operations personnel on financial best practices and reporting standards.

Key Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.

• 8+ years of experience in FP&A, Controlling, or Manufacturing Finance within a multinational company.

• Strong understanding of cost accounting in a manufacturing environment.

• Proficiency in SAP, OneStream, Power BI, and Advanced Excel for financial modeling and reporting.

• Ability to work across multiple foreign currencies and translate results into a base reporting currency.

• Proven experience in managing tight month-end deadlines, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a strategic mindset.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills in a matrix organization.

• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas:

Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection.

Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE), meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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