Controller

Finance Controller

Must be local and be willing to work onsite.

About DS Automotion

DS Automotion is a global leader in AGV and AMR automation solutions, delivering customized material handling and automation systems for manufacturing, automotive, and logistics environments.

As our U.S. operations continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Finance Controller / Head of Finance to lead the financial operations of DS Automotion LLC and serve as a key financial partner to U.S. Management and our parent company, DS Automotion GmbH in Austria.

Candidates must have prior finance experience within an industrial, manufacturing, automation, automotive, engineering, or comparable project-based environment.

Position Summary

The Finance Controller will have overall responsibility for Accounting, Controlling, Treasury, Financial Reporting, Budgeting, Forecasting, and Finance Process Development for DS Automotion LLC.

This is a hands-on leadership position combining day-to-day financial oversight with strategic financial planning, project controlling, process improvement, and team leadership. The position reports directly to Management and leads the Accounting and Controlling functions.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop the Accounting and Controlling functions
• Provide guidance, feedback, development, and structured onboarding to finance team members
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, processes, documentation, and backup procedures
• Partner closely with U.S. Management, operational departments, and DS Automotion GmbH in Austria
• Identify and escalate commercial, financial, and project-related risks

Controlling, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, cost monitoring, and financial analysis
• Develop and maintain financial planning and forecasting processes for revenue, profitability, costs, and liquidity
• Manage project controlling, including project budgets, actual costs, project progress, profitability, and financial risks
• Analyze financial performance and identify required corrective actions
• Develop and monitor key financial performance indicators
• Prepare management and Group financial reporting in coordination with the parent company

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, and fixed asset accounting
• Lead the transition from cash-basis to accrual-basis accounting
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes
• Ensure accurate and timely financial statements and reporting
• Coordinate domestic and international tax matters
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and Group reporting requirements
• Serve as the primary contact for tax advisors and external auditors

Treasury & Cash Management

• Manage liquidity planning and cash-flow forecasting
• Monitor cash flow and proactively identify liquidity risks
• Oversee accounts receivable management and working capital
• Manage banking relationships and payment approval processes
• Develop measures to improve receivables, payment terms, and working capital

ERP, Digitalization & Process Improvement

• Provide financial leadership for the proAlpha ERP implementation beginning in Q1 2027
• Define financial processes, roles, data requirements, controls, and approval structures
• Ensure financial data quality and effective process interfaces
• Coordinate testing, functional acceptance, and end-user training
• Identify opportunities to improve and automate Accounting and Controlling processes
• Develop and maintain finance policies, procedures, and process documentation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Controlling, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of finance/accounting leadership experience
• Industrial or manufacturing finance experience is required
• Experience working in manufacturing, industrial automation, automotive, engineering, machinery, robotics, or another project-based industrial environment
• Strong experience in Accounting, Controlling, Financial Reporting, Budgeting, Forecasting, and Treasury
• Demonstrated experience with project controlling, project costing, profitability analysis, and financial performance management
• Strong understanding of accrual accounting, financial controls, cash flow, and working capital
• Experience with ERP, reporting, and financial planning systems
• Strong leadership and team-development skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively with Management, operational departments, external partners, and an international parent company
• Business-fluent English required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for an internationally operating industrial or manufacturing company
• Automotive, automation, robotics, machinery, or material-handling industry experience
• ERP implementation experience
• Experience with proAlpha or a comparable ERP system
• Experience working with international parent-company reporting structures
• German language skills are a plus

The original position specifically calls for extensive financial-management experience covering Controlling, Accounting, Financial Reporting and Treasury, along with leadership experience and ERP knowledge.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid vacation
• 401(k)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunity to lead and develop the U.S. finance function
• International collaboration with our parent company in Austria
• Opportunity to play a key role in a major ERP implementation
• Supportive, growth-focused work environment