Controller

THE COMPANY

Our client is a leading global U.S. manufacturer who continues to expand their operations and product portfolio. They are known for quality, innovation and customer service and their market leading brands.  Due to the confidential nature of this role, additional information cannot be provided.

THE POSITION

Job Summary

The Financial Controller will play a pivotal role in launching and leading the financial operations of a new Maquila manufacturing facility in Cd. Juárez, Mexico. This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership opportunity to build the finance function from the ground up, establish a world-class financial infrastructure, and shape the long-term fiscal strategy of a growing organization. As a key member of the site’s leadership team, the Financial Controller will serve as a strategic business partner to the Plant Manager, driving financial performance, profitability, and compliance. The role involves designing and implementing robust financial systems and internal controls, ensuring full compliance with Mexican statutory, tax, and Maquiladora regulations, and supporting alignment with U.S. corporate accounting standards.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a results-oriented financial leader who thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments — someone who can move seamlessly from hands-on execution to strategic decision-making, while ensuring the operation scales efficiently and profitably from day one.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses. Report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide strategic financial insights to senior management. Ensure an accurate and timely monthly and year-end close
• Maquiladora Compliance: The controller will oversee all financial aspects of the maquila program, including import/export documentation, customs compliance, inventory tracking, and duty deferral programs (IMMEX). Ensure strict adherence to Mexican customs laws and regulations, VAT, and IEPS Certificate.
• Cost Accounting: Develop and maintain a comprehensive standard cost accounting system for the factory. This includes monitoring production costs, analyzing labor and overhead variances, and managing inventory valuation.
• Internal Controls: Establish and enforce a strong system of internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Capital/Fixed Assets:  Responsible for coordinating capital requisitions and maintaining Fixed Assets. This includes posting necessary entries for monthly depreciation, additions, and disposals to G/L. Complete annual fixed asset physical inventory.
• Treasury & Cash Flow: Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and foreign currency transactions.
• Tax & Audit: Coordinate with shelter operator and external auditors and tax advisors to ensure compliance with all local and federal tax requirements.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and manage the local finance team. Foster a culture of accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement. Help people in the business understand how their decisions impact results

THE CANDIDATE

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting; CPA, CMA, and/or MBA a plus.
2. Minimum of +7 years’ experience in a Controller position.
3. 5+ years’ of experience in finance (i.e., financial analysis and planning) necessary roles in a manufacturing environment.
4. 5+ years’ experience and solid knowledge of Mexico general accounting and/or audit / internal controls.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of: Financial Planning, Reporting & Analysis; Continuous Improvement; Financial Records & Internal Controls and Standard Costing Systems.
6. Strong knowledge of Standard Cost Accounting.
7. Experienced with review and authorization of the Electronic Trial Balance.
8. Proven experience managing and supervising an accounting staff.
9. Experience working in a Maquiladora environment (IMMEX) in Mexico, with knowledge of (IVA and IEPS), APPA, and Safe harbor.
10. Familiarity with preparation of monthly and filing informative DIOT report (“Declaración Informativa de Operaciones con Terceros”), third parties informative tax filing with the SAT.
11. Familiarity with annual tax filings and reports (INEGI, SUA, Payroll state, Foreign investment, Return of manufacturing business report, DIEMSE, DISIF and annual Federal Tax return.)
12. Familiarity with Registration with the Secretary of Commerce, and SAT registration (RFC).
13. Knowledge of the Maquila Contract review.
14. Experience with review and approval of the employee report (RT – Relacion de Trabajadores) of Mexico social security (IMSS).
15. Demonstrated ability to understand complex processes and project management requirements.
16. Able to travel to the USA, as needed (visa).
17. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly EXCEL.
18. Bilingual: Fluent English/Spanish.

Preferred Experience

1. Experience managing in a multinational work environment.
2. Proven experience supporting Site Operations leader.
3. Experience working in a matrix organization and in a shared service environment.
4. ERP experience a plus.

Competencies and Skills

• Excellent organizational, analytical and communication skills.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Assertive and able to push back.
• Ideal candidate will be hands-on, highly committed, resilient, able to handle stressful environments under tight deadlines and able to build consensus when there are opposing views.
• Possesses high integrity and a trusted business partner to the Plant Manager.