Director of Accounting (Finance)

Purpose of the Position

Responsible for all accounting and administrative functions at all production facilities and operations within the Business Unit. Including the review, analysis, and verification of all production, financial, and cost information associated with the Business Unit.

Essential Position Responsibilities - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Process owner for all Accounting activities within the Business Unit. Oversees the accounting and reporting of all operations including production performance reporting, all inventory reconciliations, financial reporting, and financial budgeting for the Business Unit. Responsible for month end, quarter end, and year-end closing, including review of account reconciliations and analysis of results. Ensures that all information reported within the Business Unit is both timely and accurate. Assists with corporate level cost accounting activities involved with developing and maintaining labor, packaging, overhead, yield, and throughput standards. Supports yearly budget compilations for the Business Unit.

Direct Supervisor for all Plant and/or Business Complex Controllers within the Business Unit. Works through Controllers and their respective staffs to ensure the accurate and timely processing of all plant accounting functions, variance analysis, plant performance feedback, yield calculations, physical inventory recording, and other operational and financial information related to plant performance.

Directly supports both Business Unit Leadership and Senior Management (operational level) within the Business Unit . Works closely with leadership and senior management of Operations, Sales, and Marketing departments to interpret and provide analysis for current performance and future projections.

Directly supports the Financial Planning and Analysis Team. Acts as the Business Unit interface for the Financial Planning and Analysis team to facilitate a cohesive, highly functional financial team that provides optimal past and future performance and financial measures that enhance both Business Unit Leadership and ultimately Total Company Leadership's ability to make sound financial decisions.

Develops Plant Controllers and Business Complex Controllers. Creates and executes development plans for Plant Controllers to become Business Complex Controllers and Business Complex Controllers to become Accounting Directors.

Participates in Human Resources activities. Involved in the screening, interviewing, and selection of candidates. Administers disciplinary action, recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR manager. Monitors work performance. Maintains a favorable working relationship with all employees to promote a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

Participates as a member of the Finance Team . Participates in ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Finance Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts the responsibility to identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bring them to the attention of the team leader, and work with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues. Actively look for solutions and reinforce actions needed to achieve synergy within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons' established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, and continuous improvement). Understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position's role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of Business Unit objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Director of Accounting and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person or the work of this position. Nor does this position description entail all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Walking to different departments within facilities. Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Employees will be in a sitting position for the majority of shifts. Employees will need finger dexterity for typing and 10-key operation throughout the shift.

Travel: May travel regularly between locations primarily for personal instruction, meetings, and training purposes.

Technical Experience: 7-10 years accounting experience. Experience managing accounting staffs at multiple locations most likely in multiple states and/or countries. Able to solve analytical accounting problems. Highly competent with computers, databases, and a strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office package. Experienced with accounting software and systems.

Industry Experience: Preference for Poultry or food processing organization.

Minimum Education: Bachelor Degree in Accounting or related field, or 4 years related experience.

Preferred Education : Graduate Degree in Accounting or Business