Regional Controller

Market research isn’t just about offering solutions these days – it’s about finding the future paths that lead our clients to ongoing commercial success.

At Research International, we’re on a journey of our own. We’re becoming a company that will be the first to find new consumer insight, and fastest to turn it into client opportunity and sales. We want confident trailblazers to join us – people willing to navigate uncharted territory and expand research boundaries.

When you join us, you’ll have access to a worldwide network of knowledge which you can tap into wherever you are, whatever your role. Working with people around the world everyday keeps your job fresh – and your mind open. We offer industry leading training and development to equip you with the skills you need. We create a working environment that’s fun, open and challenging.  We recruit colleagues who are a buzz to work with. Could you be one of them?

Background

 

The Regional Controller position with Research International requires comprehensive responsibility for the accounting & payroll functions, financial and regulatory reporting, and working capital management of Research International USA.  This position is based in Chicago, but will include frequent travel to Phoenix within the first few months in the role.

 

This role will be responsible for 4-6 direct reports, along with reporting into Board-level management.

 

Role

 

·  Ensure all financial and operational reporting requirements are met.  Includes regular reporting of actual performance, as well as annual business plans, budgets and quarterly re-forecasts.

·  Ensure that all financial statement accounts analysis and support (income statement and balance sheet) are maintained.

·  Oversee the regions Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and payroll functions including disbursements, invoicing, collections, etc.

·  Maintain and enhance internal financial and management information systems to enable decisions to be made by CEO and senior management team members.

·  Liaison with RI Worldwide accounting, sister, and parent company in London in providing support and explanations of financial performance and prepare and submit regulatory reporting.

·  Maintain and enhance internal systems for budgeting and quarterly re-forecasts.

·  Monitor and review operating costs and make proposals on opportunities for cost savings for consideration by Board of Directors.

·  Advise the Senior management team on ad hoc financial issues as they arise.

·  Monitor and control capital expenditure spending and prepare financial justifications for all significant items as necessary.

·  Ensure Finance team is performing efficiently with a strong internal control environment that meets RI Worldwide accounting and parent company standards including Sarbanes Oxley controls requirements and audits.

·  Administer records and support for the company’s incentive plans.  This includes STIP, LTIP, ad hoc plans MBO and commission plans.

·  Develop and deliver financial and accounting curriculum to the professional staff as deemed appropriate to raise the financial acumen of the business team members.

·  Provide all accounting integration and accounting support services are required associated with prospective and completed acquisitions.

·  Review all legal and contractual agreements for the company and liaise with external legal counsel as appropriate.

·  Manage all real estate transactions by coordinating with Group Real Estate (GRE) at parent compnay and parent company appointed national real estate broker on a proactive basis.

·  Maintain and Ensure compliance with parent company accounting and other business policies (i.e. travel).

·  Ensure the following HR related documentation is updated and maintained for all Finance and Payroll personnel:

1. Setting of Annual Objectives in line with company strategic management objectives.

2. Job Descriptions.

3. Annual Performance Reviews.

4. Annual Training Competency Assessments.

 

Skills

 

·  Qualified accountant with strong knowledge of all aspects of accounting principles and practices.

·  Strong knowledge and experience of payroll and other personnel practices

·  Strong leadership skills and experience with verified ability to improve strength/depth of an accounting team.

·  Excellent communications and influencing skills with history of providing  and implementing solution to the Executive Management team

·  Able to maintain confidentiality; high level of integrity.

·  High organizational, record keeping, analytic and modeling skills.

·  Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

·  Able to interact with people of varied personalities.

·  Capable of dealing with multiple tasks, ability to prioritize.

·  Knowledge of Excel and financial and management accounting software systems along with Cartesis, and Business Objects.

 

Experience and Education

 

·  10+ years of progressive accounting/financial career advancement leading to senior level positions - Director, VP.

·  Overall 15 years of business and financial experience in diverse industries.

·  Consulting, Professional Services corporate financial experience a definite plus.

·  BA in Finance/Accounting, MA or MBA are preferred.

·  Certified Public Accountant (CPA) a plus.

·  3-5 years tenure in present director level controller role

·  Experience providing commercial and operational support including pricing  and profitability Analysis in business services sector.

·  Experienced with developing, installing and maintaining Business Management Process.

·  Maintain and enhance accounting systems and processes.

·  10 years financial and managerial experience with public corporations.

·  Public accounting experience preferred.

·  Small to Midcap company size a plus. 

·  International and consolidation experience a plus.

·  Experience  with Sarbanes Oxley regulatory internal controls compliance preferred.