Job Information
WM Area Controller in Woodland, California
As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
WM is known for not only a great place to work and build a career, but also for building a better tomorrow one step at a time. If you have an extensive background in finance and accounting, along with management experience, this might be the role for you.
We are seeking candidates with extensive knowledge with SOX, GAAP, and accounting rules. Candidate must also have management experience, along with being a mentor and developer of people. Eight (8) or more years previous experience in progressively responsible accounting or finance roles; public accounting firm and/or public company experience desired (in addition to education requirements). CPA preferred.
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or similar area of study; advanced degree (MBA, MS-Accounting) is desirable.
I. Job Summary
The Area Controller is the leader of the Accounting organization for his or her respective Area and a key partner to the Area Business Partner. The Area Controller will provide accounting oversight and develop, complete, and review monthly financial analysis that supports the control environment, focuses on emerging trends and/or addresses complex or highly judgmental aspects of the business. Additionally, the Area Controller will be responsible for executing financial controls, standardizing processes and procedures across the Area, identifying process improvement opportunities, and leading, training, developing, and coaching members of the field-based accounting team. This role is responsible for ensuring the quality of financial information and compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.
Directs and Performs Month-End Close functions. Directs the maintenance of general and subsidiary ledgers, accounts receivable, revenue distribution, depreciation, cost, property, operating expenses, and other records.
Drives adherence to the organization's accounting principles, practices, and procedures regarding the maintenance of fiscal records and the preparation of financial reports.
Ensures a strong framework of financial controls and adherence to established policies and procedures.
Requires a continuous improvement mindset and focus across the function, looking for process standardization and automation opportunities, culling unnecessary work to free team members’ time for higher-value work, and encouraging the delivery of business insights over report creation.
Establishes a strong “tone at the top” related to WM’s commitments and values.
Supervises and participates in the preparation of various financial statements and reports. Ensures integrity and quality of financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and Company policies.
Responsible for review of monthly Balance Sheet reconciliations and completion of monthly Area Balance Sheet analysis.
Submits reasonable budget information and performs variance analysis comparing results to prior year actual and prior year budget.
Reviews and evaluates work to ensure quality and timeliness and ensures quality control in adherence to policies and procedures.
Oversees personnel needs of the department including selecting, coaching, and training employees and evaluating employee performance. Provides input into termination, compensation, and promotion decisions. A focus on diversity and inclusion is critical to building and developing an effective accounting organization.
Key contact for all audit-related questions both internal and external. Ensure compliance with SOX, GAAP, and Area-specific Municipal or other contract accounting requirements. Oversees SOX controls and testing as required.
Builds a strong foundational knowledge of the business – its customers, profit drivers, and operational capabilities (including Collection, Post Collection, and Haz Waste Lines of Business)
Provides energizing leadership with a focus on attracting, retaining and developing top talent. Builds and leads a value-add and focused accounting team that is integrally involved with the day-to-day plans and operations of the business. Selects and develops diverse, world-class accounting talent for the entire Area.
III. Supervisory Responsibilities
Direct supervision of 7-10 employees, including full-time accountants and accounting support staff.
IV. Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job.
A. Education and Experience
Education : Bachelor’s Degree (accredited), or equivalent experience, in Accounting or similar area of study; advanced degree (e.g. MBA, MS-Accounting) is desirable.
Experience: Eight (8) or more years previous experience in progressively responsible accounting or finance roles; public accounting firm and/or public company experience desired (in addition to education requirements).
B. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations or Other Requirements
Preferred: Certified Public Accountant, or equivalent, advanced degree (e.g. MBA, MS-Accounting) is desirable.
C. Other Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required
Strong understanding of monthly accounting cycle, best practices, and data flow among financial systems.
Knowledge of and responsibility for compliance with SOX requirements.
Relevant, demonstrated & practical experience developing and analyzing financial statements
Strong presentation and communication skills with comfort in preparing and presenting information to an Area team with a leadership presence
Critical thinker and collaborative problem solver with excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills
Ability to travel up to 10%
Flexibility to work overtime during the week and/ or weekends
Balance and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to coach, mentor and develop team members
Desired experience and leadership traits:
Has the capacity to sift through complex information and communicate messages clearly and concisely. Ability to shift priorities and work with Area Team to overcome obstacles including but not limited to Hurricane Prep.
Energizes team through inclusiveness and connection with people … flexible in approach to motivate and retain. Builds a connection with the team through personal involvement and trust … engages people to want to perform. Can coach and communicate in simple impactful terms.
Strong financial/technical expertise and analytical acumen. Demonstrated leadership through different business cycles. Understands financial and operational linkages and knows how to manage and control costs.
Quick learner, comfortable with steep learning curves and able to handle simultaneous complex matters. Deals effectively with both strategic and tactical operational issues. Loves the best ideas, not his/her own ideas.
Self-motivated, high energy, resourceful and confident (yet, humble) with positive can-do attitude. High level of commitment to the job and delivering outstanding work.
Operates in a transparent manner with no hidden agenda. Owns misses and learns from failures and adversity.
The expected salary range for this position is $145,000 to $165,000 per year. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location. In addition, this position is eligible for incentive pay.
Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.
If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click "Apply".
Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran