We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.
We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.
What we do:
For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.
Scope of Position
This seasoned accounting and finance leader, as part of the Watts Applied Solutions finance team, will lead the finance and accounting function supporting Superior Boiler's manufacturing operations. The Controller will partner closely with plant leadership to drive financial performance through accurate accounting, strong internal controls, compliance, strategic decision support, process improvement, and effective cost management. This role will also collaborate closely with the corporate controllership group and internal and external auditors to support regulatory and Company requirements.
This position has direct reports.
This position reports to the Sr Director Finance, Watts Applied Solutions. This role is onsite and is based at our Superior Boiler location in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage and oversee the finance and accounting function to support plant operations and corporate objectives.
- Establish and maintain financial policies, internal controls, and compliance processes.
- Provide financial analysis, forecasts, and reporting to support business and executive decision-making.
- Partner with plant and business leadership on pricing, investments, profitability, and cost management.
- Enhance budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning processes.
- Ensure statutory reporting and regulatory compliance.
- Develop financial models to evaluate new opportunities, investments, and partnerships.
- Align financial tools, reporting, and processes with operational needs.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration across Finance, Operations, and other business functions.
- Review general ledger account reconciliations and journal entries, ensuring appropriate support and documentation are maintained and issues are resolved promptly, including warranty accruals, inventory excess and obsolescence, and inventory capitalized variances.
- Implement and monitor financial reporting controls to support SOX compliance.
- Assess financial and compliance risks, identify areas of non-compliance, and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Drive continuous improvement of financial processes and controls to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and accuracy.
- Create and maintain documentation for process and business changes and standard operating procedures related to end-to-end financial processes, including review and reconciliation of associated general ledger accounts.
- Provide training and guidance to personnel on SOX compliance and internal control procedures.
- Compile and present reports on SOX compliance status, audit findings, and remediation plans to senior management.
- Monitor relevant legal, tax, and regulatory changes and trends; identify emerging risks and opportunities and provide recommendations to management.
- Oversee project accounting for open projects, including profitability reporting and review; partner with the business to support timely billing and appropriate revenue recognition based on required milestones and performance obligations.
- Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by the Sr Director Finance, Watts Applied Solutions or Company management.
- Demonstrate accountability, integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement in the execution of financial responsibilities and business partnership.
Travel Requirements: Approximately 10%.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive finance/controllership experience in large, highly complex manufacturing environments, including experience within a public company.
- Strong expertise in Percentage-of-Completion (POC) accounting.
- In-depth knowledge of SOX regulations and internal control frameworks.
- Experience with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
- Strong understanding of GAAP, financial performance drivers, accounting principles, internal controls, and financial systems.
- Strong background in financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence strategic outcomes.
- Excellent presentation, time management, collaboration, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, SUMIFS, pivot tables, and the ability to effectively manipulate and organize large amounts of data.
- Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.
- Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete required background checks and pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) preferred.
- CPA or CMA certification preferred.
- Experience with Hyperion Financial Management (HFM) and ERP implementations is preferred.
General Applicable Company Competencies
- Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
- Punctuality and dependability.
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
- Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
- Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
- Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.
Working Conditions
While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the Superior Boiler location in Hutchinson, Kansas (Monday - Friday). Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.
Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:
- Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
- Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
- Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
- Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.
Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.
#LIOnsite
Watts in it for you:
Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.
- Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
- Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
- 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
- Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
How we work:
At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.
And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.
Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.
