Job DescriptionI. Job Summary
The Area Controller Senior is the leader of the Accounting organization for his or her respective Areas and a key partner to the Area Business Partners. The Area Controller Senior 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 Senior will be responsible for executing financial controls, standardizing processes and procedures across the multiple Areas, identifying process improvement opportunities, and leading, training, developing, and coaching members of the field-based accounting teams. This role is responsible for ensuring the quality of financial information and compliance with relevant policies and procedures and champion process innovation to deliver real business impact. This role also requires strategic engagement with other finance and accounting functions working with the Tier Controllers and other Corporate functions including but not limited to: Shared Services, Landfill Accounting, Corporate Finance, Internal Audit, Treasury, Investor Relations, Tax, and Supply Chain. The Area Controller Senior will cover multiple Areas in the Field and work conjointly with Area Finance Directors and Tier Controllers.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- 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 Multi-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, Haz Waste, Recycling and Medical 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.
- Lead system implementation and manage change initiatives. Oversee integration of acquisitions, ensuring smooth financial and operational alignment.
- Oversees accounting for a minimum of two or more market areas, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
- Champion the standardization of accounting practices within assigned Areas to enhance efficiency, consistency, and reporting timelines, enabling data-driven business decisions.
III. Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job. Must live and work in the US.
A. Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree (accredited) in Accounting or similar area of study
- High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and four years of relevant experience
- 10+ years of previous experience in progressively responsible accounting or finance roles (in addition to education requirement)
B. Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree in Accounting or MBAp
- 2 years public accounting firm and/or public company experience
- 2 years Has interacted with Area and Senior management teams, preparing management-level presentations and actively participate in the presentation of results, recommendations and strategic priorities.
- Finance & Accounting\Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent
IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
☒ Office: This job primarily operates in a professional office environment and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, etc.
The expected base pay range for this position across the U.S. is $140,000 - $163000. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.
V. Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site.
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