Finance Operations Controller – Albemarle

The Finance Operations Controller will lead and support the operational accounting, planning and analytical support for Albemarle entities and joint ventures in Australia. The role will be the strategic, trusted Finance Operational leader and business partner of Albemarle’s site, and GBU responsible for driving process and cost discipline, efficiencies, and providing finance and economic analysis and support.

The position will also be accountable and responsible for performing manufacturing/operations accounting, forecasting and analysis for the Kemerton plant and other sites, and supporting the Regional Finance Lead with joint ventures.

Key responsibilities:

• Partner with site leadership to drive cost savings and operational results.
• Ensure the sites are following Albemarle’s manufacturing accounting, processes, procedures and reporting.
• Understand all financial and operating aspects of the manufacturing areas of responsibility.
• Manage and execute timely monthly operations closing and reporting.
• Provide accurate and timely manufacturing costs analysis to the site and appropriate GBU and Corporate stakeholders.
• Manage and ensure accurate and timely preparation of the Annual Operating Plan and monthly forecasting.
• Support the Regional Finance Lead on joint venture finance by preparing analysis of results.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes and efficiencies in Joint Venture management reporting, and accounting processes.
• Support corporate and local audit, tax, and advisory firms, as needed.
• Lead, mentor and develop the local operating finance team to ensure a rewarding and challenging working environment and an adequate succession plan is in place.
• Participate as a member of the Kemerton operational leadership team providing Finance leadership and driving process and cost discipline and a focus on continual improvement.
• Execute an accurate and timely financial closing, including corporate and site accounting and internal control procedures.
• Provide concise and meaningful analysis of manufacturing operating results against budget, forecast, and prior year.
• Review JV provided results and forecasts and compare to budgets.
• Update monthly JV operating forecast and analytics to explain key changes.
• Enforce Albemarle policy and procedures, including internal / SOX controls.
• Review and approve capital project requests for manufacturing locations.
• Support financial data request from JV partner.
• Assist in special projects, ad hoc financial planning, and analytics.
• Collaborate with the shared service centres, the Corporate Manufacturing Finance group and others to ensure optimal utilization of these resources in accordance with Albemarle’s operating model.
• Manage and prepare the annual operational budgets for the responsible sites and legal entities.

Work Experience / Technical Skill Requirements:

• 10+ years of progressive experience across multiple finance, accounting, processing plant controlling, mine operations controlling and/or business roles preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced financial modelling and Excel skills.
• Experience with SAP and business intelligence tools in a controlling or manufacturing finance role.
• Knowledge and experience with standard costing principles in manufacturing setting.
• Thorough manufacturing finance and financial accounting knowledge.
• Multinational experience preferred.
• Strong demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Track record of success managing multiple, critical projects simultaneously and meeting/exceeding expectations of working in a fast-paced environment.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Highest standards of accuracy, precision, organization and attention to detail.
• Business and industry level strategic thinking capabilities. Understands business dynamics and the interplay between internal and external macroeconomic and competitive forces.
• Advanced oral and written communication behaviour and skills, strong presentation skills and ability to deliver strategic messages to senior leadership.
• Ability to think creatively, highly driven and self-motivated.

Education / Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, or Business Management.
• Master’s degree preferred but not essential.
• CA or CPA qualified.
• CFA or CMA certifications a plus.
• Six Sigma or other process training a plus.

Apply here

We are partners to one another in pioneering new ways to be better for ourselves, our teams, and our communities. When you join Albemarle, you become our most essential element and you can anticipate competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and resources that foster your well-being and fuel your personal growth. Help us shape the future, build with purpose and grow together.