Finance Director

Job Description

LGC, Biosearch Technologies is looking for an experienced financial leader and people manager to join its team in Middleton, WI, as Finance Director. This highly visible role will be responsible for managing all aspects of the finance function with a focus on business partnering and site operational finance (including but not limited to accounting, financial reporting, FP&A, direct and indirect taxes, cash management). The scope of this role includes two of our key North American manufacturing sites, our Lucigen enzymes and competent cell business out of the Middleton site, and our PCR instruments and consumables manufacturing site in Alexandria, Minnesota. The successful candidate will be a key member of the site management teams and of the Business Unit's (BU) global finance team and will be able to work very "hands on" at times (e.g. function at overseeing a very detailed level of cost accounting and analysis), but will also be demanding close and regular collaboration with operational leaders to drive top line growth, gross margin expansion, OpEx discipline and Working Capital efficiency.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following essential functions satisfactorily:

• Lead the local finance function, including responsibility for direct and indirect taxation

• Responsible for personnel activities of direct reports including: budgeting, staffing, training, performance evaluations, mentoring and coaching, and goal setting including setting employee objectives linked to business initiatives and other key performance indicators

• Serve as finance business partner to local senior management team
• Manage and deliver annual budgets, reforecasting and rolling forecast compilation, ensuring a best practice process is in place
• Drive gross margin expansion, OpEx discipline and Working Capital delivery
• Help drive local SIOP process, ensuring effectiveness, and actively participate to maximise Sales forecast accuracy, excess inventory build and capacity constraints
• Manage the balance sheet and cashflow (particularly in relation to improving DIO, DSO, DPO working capital metrics)
• Liaise with the BU's central business analytics function, including development of new business insight tools for the business
• Administer internal control system ownership, including development and implementation of new key internal control / financial operating manuals
• Deliver business level financial MI (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually)
• Perform financial leadership of projects with focus on integration of acquired businesses, rightsizing and restructuring
• Conscientiously learn and diligently follow the requirements of the site's quality management system
• Perform other duties as required to meet business needs

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting or Finance
• Knowledge and understanding of US GAAP and IFRS
• 10 years of financial experience, including a mix of public accounting/private industry
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role
• Proven, expert understanding of all operational accounting aspects and their inter-relationship with financial accounting, budgeting/forecasting and operations support
• Experience leading high performing finance teams and working in a senior management team and influencing non-financial managers
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally to meet business and commercial demands
• Strong computer skills required, including advanced skill with Microsoft Excel, and working knowledge of the larger suite of Microsoft Office products

Preferred Qualifications:

• Accounting designation (CPA, CMA), or an equivalent related experience strongly preferred
• Public accounting experience with a major audit firm or major US company preferred
• Demonstrated work progression from cost accountant to manager or operations controller (or similarly titled role)

Competencies & Behaviours:

• Flexible with schedule to meet business deadlines and demands
• Highly organized adaptable, willing to take on multiple new tasks and responsibilities while managing and prioritizing multiple tasks within a dynamic work environment
• Clear strategic thinker with proven critical relationship development skills
• Proven project and time management skills
• Active listener and clear communicator who demonstrates a supportive attitude that encourages collaboration and cross-functional process improvements
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, comfort interacting with senior internal and external personnel on various technical and business processes and initiatives
• Ability to work well in a team environment, possess an ability to adapt to change in the environment, and have proven ability to exert influence in a directive and positive manner
• Demonstrated autonomy: ability to self-start and drive whilst recognising the appropriate time for stakeholder engagement
• Extensive problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze business and financial data and develop dynamic solutions that produce deliverables and meet business objectives
• Assertive and decisive, consistent and fair, demonstrating self-confidence and emotional strength
• Results-driven and process-oriented, ensuring targets are met on time and on budget
• Demonstrated good professional judgment and reliability
• Resonate and operate in line with LGC's core value behaviours: Passion, Curiosity, Integrity, Brilliance, and Respect