Director, Finance & Information Technology / RF5320

Position Description:

COMPANY PROFILE:Saint-Gobain is a leading worldwide producer of abrasives, building materials, high-performance plastics, insulation, flat glass, glass containers, piping, reinforcements and industrial ceramics. In the U.S. and Canada, Saint-Gobain employs over 25,000 people, and has approximately 200 manufacturing locations. Its total U.S. and Canada sales in 2005 were over $6.5 billion.Saint-Gobain's Reinforcements Branch includes Saint-Gobain BayForm, Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics and Saint-Gobain Vetrotex. Products include Reinforcements for construction and industrial applications; building products used in residential and commercial construction; fiber glass rovings, chopped strands, woven rovings, continuous strand and chopped strand mats which reinforce plastics and other materials.

Qualifications:

Accountability Objective:This position is responsible for the direction, control, and management of the Finance and IT Departments, as well as the financial control of the Business Unit in accordance with Corporate procedures and policies. The Finance Department is required to maintain financial records and prepare necessary reports with exact accuracy and timeliness. Such records and reports are subject to audit by Corporate and government authorities for accuracy. The Department is further responsible for credit, collection, and cash management functions, and in this effort interfaces strongly with the Corporate financial departments. The IT operation, which is responsible to maintain existing business systems, aid in developing new systems, and operate the Business Unit's multiple computer installations, is part of the position's responsibility. The incumbent maintains a blended background of accounting and finance in a large, multinational manufacturing company and knowledge of cost accounting, inventory valuation and general accounting principles. Strong leadership to define, implement and continuously improve consolidated forecasting, budgeting and annual planning processes for both Profit/Loss and Balance Sheet, and a high degree of personal responsibility is required for the propriety and correctness of the financial data and actions for Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics. The position requires a complete knowledge of financial and manufacturing cost procedures, strong personal ethics, and good leadership skills. The ability to communicate across a broad base, and to determine and advise general management of financial trends is a key part of the position. As a member of the General Manager's staff, the Director, Finance & IT is a contributor and team member in SGTF's strategic and operating plans.Principal End Results:The incumbent is responsible for building and maintaining a competent FinanceDepartment that provides accurate and timely financial data and reports to the Business Unit and Corporation, as well as to build and maintain a technically competent IT Department that provides cost effective business systems and computer hardware operating services.? Directs the preparation of all financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, tax returns, business plan and reports for government regulatory agencies and/or banking institutions with accuracy and timeliness.? Direct financial operations of the division to assure compliance with Corporate and government policies and requirements, including international locations. Serves on planning and policy-making committees. .? Oversees and mentors accounting department, as well as oversees budget preparation and audit functions. Meets regularly with department heads to keep informed and to offer direction and potential strategic and process improvement approaches. Establishes and implements short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures. ? Develop and implement finance, accounting, billing, and auditing procedures. Establish and maintain appropriate internal control safeguards. Ensure records systems are maintained in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.? Reviews reports to analyze projections of sales and profit against actual figures, budgeted expenses against final totals, and suggests methods of improving the planning process as appropriate. ? Analyzes company operations to pinpoint opportunities and areas for improvements to meet top and bottom line goals. Provides strategic analysis and leadership regarding appropriate allocation of costs and potential improvements to indirect rate structure.? Work directly with plant cost controllers to analyze standard costs, variances, working capital requirements and develop KPI’s in the manufacturing operations as well as build tools to model operations for budget and analysis purposes. ? Provide financial support and tools for the Sales and Marketing team.? Transfer pricing management including all associated contracts to legally support activity.? Confers with leadership team to coordinate and prioritize financial and business development/cost proposal planning. Prepares, or directs preparation of, pricing proposals. ? Participates in the strategic planning and development of cost/price model, as well as cost/price analysis for procurement and contracts. ? Estimates requirements for capital, land, buildings, and an increase in the work force. Performing detailed payback and cost justification calculations.? Manage the shared service organization responsible for all general ledger accounting and reporting, billing and payments for all operations in North America.? Maintain communications with Corporate and Business Unit personnel to enhance Division operations.? Provide analysis, advice, and counsel in the development of new systems for cost accounting, inventory control, and financial operations and personnel management.? Direct and advise the credit and collections operation including international letters of credit.? Maintain and enforce all IT policies, guidelines and procedures. Minimize the procedural constraints required for the business unit to accomplish its mission. Development of local Information Technology and Systems policies and procedures and participation in the development and review of IT & S policies at the corporate level. ? Ensure that the business unit’s IT budget and resources are adequate to support business operations and the committed projects. Determine and manage the planning, staffing, and funding requirements of the business unit/function.? Manage the business unit’s computing and communication environments in a manner that ensures access to and delivery of information to the organization.? Facilitate a customer centric environment that optimizes the use of IT products, systems, services, and procedures.? Establish and maintain metrics appropriate to the performance of the IT in the business unit.? Be a strong participating member of the General Manager's staff providing advice, counsel, and support to the strategic direction and operation for SGTF.Nature and Scope:The position reports directly to the General Manager. The General Manager reports to the President, Textile Solutions. The Director, Finance & IT is responsible for a staff of approximately 16 employees. The incumbent is responsible for providing motivation and career development to his/her staff. He/she is involved in daily strategic and tactical issues regarding credit, collections, financial accounts, information systems, expense spending, and operating compliance to Corporate policies, as well as financial tools for business growth and acquisitions.The Director must work closely with the General Manager, Directors, and Corporate staff personnel in the preparation of business plans, communication of key financial information, and the coordination of SGTF operations with the needs of the Finance Department.The position requires a strong knowledge of accounting and financial operations in a manufacturing environment with demonstrated experience in managing standard costs and variance analysis. Demonstrated knowledge of working in a SAP environment is also required. Knowledge of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards). The Director must have good problem solving skills and be able to manage a diverse Financial and IT department. Very good analytical capability is another key part of the position as the Director will study numerous reports to answer questions by superiors and peers and to identify areas where corrective action is recommended.