Kurita America

Overview

Kurita America is part of the Kurita Group, one of the leading water solutions providers in the world. Established in 1949, the Kurita Group is comprised of an international network of approximately 8000 employees located in 18 countries.

Located in Minneapolis, MN, Kurita America brings innovations to market through a holistic water management approach, incorporating state-of-the art equipment, chemistries, engineering, and services to conserve natural resources for a better, more sustainable world.

Kurita’s corporate philosophy is to study the properties of water, master them and create an environment in which nature and humanity are in harmony.

We have an immediate need for a Director of Accounting Shared Services in our Brooklyn Park Office.

The Director, Accounting Shared Services is responsible for managing accounts receivable, customer billing, accounts payable, and corporate credit card/expense functions within established organizational policies. This position directs a hybrid staff on collection, credit functions, and disbursements to stimulate cash flow and minimize credit loss. Ensures processes, procedures, and internal controls are in place to provide timely, accurate financial information to maximize cash flow in accordance with accounting and reporting requirements. Evaluates shared services opportunities and contributes to functional consolidation and automation initiatives. Cross train on various accounting/finance functions. Candidates must have a strong ability to lead and work in a team culture and to consistently meet and exceed the accountabilities noted below, which are crucial aspects for our company. A proven ability to work and lead in a high energy, fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment is required.

Title: Director of Accounting Shared Services

Location: Brooklyn Park, MN

Salary: $110,000 - $140,000

Hybrid Role

Responsibilities

• A leader that drives engagement; setting goals, delegating tasks, while exhibiting strong communication skills and motivating the team.
• Ensures customers pay open invoices within the agreed upon terms of payment.

a. Regularly reviews the status of open receivables and plans/coordinates collection efforts with collection staff.

b. Where appropriate, engages the assistance of sales, operations and customer service personnel to assist in the resolution of customer payment issues.

c. Where appropriate, negotiates payment plans with customers outside the contractual terms.

d. Coordinates all bankruptcy filings.

e. Authorizes credits for returns, allowances, and write-offs.

• Responsible for all accounting and data processing aspects of customer billing.

a. Ensures that all data, i.e. invoices, cash receipts, and credits are entered and accurately reported throughout the financial and accounting systems.

b. Regularly balances/reconciles accounts receivable to the general ledger and financial statements.

c. Provides general reporting on the status of accounts receivable, i.e. monthly reporting of aging and executive summary of bad debt, while tracking KPI’s (DSO).

• Responsible for all accounting and data processing aspects of accounts payable.

a. Ensures that all data, i.e. invoices, payments, and credits are entered and accurately reported throughout the financial and accounting systems.

b. Regularly balances/reconciles accounts payable to the general ledger and financial statements.

c. Provides general reporting on the status of accounts payable, i.e. aging, divisional, etc.; with appropriate analysis, comments and tracking KPI’s (DPO).

• Responsible for management of corporate Credit Policy, while enforcing appropriate credit standards for customers; utilizing these standards to minimize the risk of exposure to bad debts.
• Leads all corporate credit card/expense functions.
• Supports various General Accounting and General Ledger needs during month end close process
• Create and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments (liaison to Sales, Sales Operations, IT, and Customer Service teams, as it relates to shared services)
• Auditing: support internal and external audits, prepare audit files/documentation, and providing general support as it relates to area of responsibility
• Manages and directs work activities of assigned personnel (team of approximately 10), conducts effective performance reviews in accordance with established company policies and recommends salary adjustments, promotions, transfers or terminations as appropriate.
• Documentation of work product - Maintains orderly, accurate and complete files in support of assigned work responsibilities. Organizes records and files in a manner that facilitates retrieval; understands and observes retention requirements for appropriate tax, Government and other regulatory offices
• Technology utilization - Accesses financial databases (manual and computerized) with basic, intermediate, or advanced competence. Uses Company furnished technology (Microsoft Dynamics BC, Concur Accounts Payable, Concur Expense Reporting) to accomplish position responsibilities and special assignments in an effective and timely manner.
• Process improvements and quality - Participates in or initiates assignments to improve processes and/or quality in areas where the incumbent has basic, intermediate, or advanced familiarity. Applies TQM elements and principles to assigned responsibilities. Participates in designing and drafting of department or Company procedures.
• Performs other accountabilities as assigned.
• Must take initiative, be self-motivated, a strong leader, dependable and have a high degree of natural curiosity
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with major in accounting, finance or business preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive accounting, management experience
• Proven ability to lead a high functioning team
• Well-developed financial analysis capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees of all levels within the organization, as well with customers both internally and externally
• Passionate about leading a team in a fast-paced, sometimes ambiguous environment, while maintaining a high level of professionalism
• Proven organizational skills, including ability to prioritize; attention to detail
• Strong written and communicate skills

EEO/AA/F/M/Vet/Disabled