Controller

We are seeking an experienced, ambitious, result-driven Controller.

Reports to: Aztalan Bio CEO and Group Finance Director

FLSA: Exempt

Schedule: Days

Positions supervised: Accounting team

 

Who is Aztalan Bio?

Aztalan’s story is just beginning, and you can be part of it!  ClonBio Group acquired Wisconsin’s largest ethanol plant in 2022 located in the village of Aztalan, just outside Jefferson, WI.  The facility will process 40 million bushels of locally grown feed corn per year, turning that into food-grade corn oil, vegetable protein concentrates and isolates for food applications, aquaculture feeds, renewable natural gas, organic fertilizer, ethanol, and dietary fiber for foods, among other things.  We are scheduled to start the facility in the fall of 2023 and are currently hiring!

Aztalan’s sister facility, Pannonia Bio in Hungary is one of the most technologically advanced grain biorefineries in the world.  Over the next several years, Aztalan will invest hundreds of millions of dollars into a biorefinery transformation every bit as innovative as Pannonia’s but uniquely suited to Wisconsin’s strengths.  Aztalan Bio is owned by ClonBio Group who is family-owned and invests in their people for long-term success.  We have a dedicated internal team of engineers and scientists from 23 countries and 5 continents, an investment in people that explains why ClonBio’s biorefineries are so technologically advanced.

Position Overview

The Controller will be responsible for overseeing and managing the financial operations of Aztalan Bio LLC. This position will matrix report to the ClonBio finance department and Aztalan Bio CEO.  They will support the CEO in the execution of company strategy and finance, accounting, forecasting, budgeting, and tax and treasury responsibilities across the business, providing timely insights to guide decision-making at operational and strategic levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares, schedules, and manages General Ledger activity for monthly and year-end GAAP audit and tax compliance. Drive the month-end accounting process to ensure the month close is completed accurately.
  • Assist with the financial close by preparing complex account reconciliations, and accruals, recording journal entries, and maintaining accurate supporting documentation.
  • Manages cash flow requirements via daily cash receipt and disbursement analysis.
  • Monitors Accounts Receivable and coordinates proactive collection efforts.
  • Manages daily banking activity and is the primary finance/treasury contact for banks and other relevant authorities and institutions.
• Prepares, reviews, and analyzes company financial statements including all revenue, expense, and balance sheet detail, and reports to senior management, owners, and lenders.
• Conducts a monthly analysis of actual results versus budget and prior periods identifying trends and cost concerns. Partner with management to develop and initiate corrective actions, process improvements, and cost control measures.
• Report financial information to the ClonBio finance department for overall company roll up.
• Ownership for the development and implementation of accounting policies, coordination of systems and procedures, and the preparation of interim and year-end financial statements.
• Develops and maintains the annual budgets, projections, and forecasts.
• Implement and maintain cost accounting systems and controls to accurately track manufacturing costs and ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards. Analyze cost drivers, identify areas for cost reduction, and develop strategies to improve operational efficiency.
• Overall management of the external auditor relationship and audit process according to US GAAP.
• Create and maintain a culture within the Finance function and wider business that strives for continuous improvement and rewards outstanding performance, delivering best-in-class financial governance and control.
• Lead, motivate, and manage the accounting team through proactive goal setting, guidance, and coaching.
• Build cross-functional relationships across the company to develop communication and influence across the business, leveraging expertise for financial decisions.
• Oversees the safeguarding of all corporate assets.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. CPA (active or Inactive) and/or MBA a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and reporting experience. Experience with full-cycle accounting.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP and reporting.
• Hedge accounting and IFRS experience a plus
• Experience within a high-volume complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Great Plains Software a plus
• Strong product costing and cost management expertise
• Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting techniques.
• Advanced skills in spreadsheet and financial software (e.g., Excel, ERP systems).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and geographies.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with relevant financial regulations and accounting standards.

 

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primary work environment is an office setting, however occasionally will enter the plant environment
• When in the plant environment, employee may be exposed to moderate to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, and/or to chemicals used in the process
• Personal Protective Equipment may be required when working in the plant environment such as safety glasses, steel-toed boots, flame-resistant clothing, and hearing protection.
• Regularly required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.
• Mostly sedentary, with some light lifting of files, supplies, or equipment.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Aztalan Bio LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.