Finance Operations Controller

Albemarle in Australia – Be An Essential Element To A Brighter Future  

Albemarle is a global leader in transforming essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. We are one of the biggest producers of lithium in the world and Australia is critical to our energy storage business. 

Our new world class Lithium Hydroxide Processing Plant at Kemerton, near Bunbury in the South West of Western Australia, is the most modern plant globally and is set for major expansion. Albemarle investment in Australia spans mining joint ventures and processing operations. Our corporate office sits in the heart of the Perth CBD.

We are a rapidly growing part of Albemarle Corporation which has nearly 7000 employees worldwide across energy storage and specialty chemicals. We are suppliers of choice for leading companies including the world’s biggest electric vehicle manufacturers, and makers of batteries and electronics. 

The work we do at Albemarle helps to pioneer new ways to move, power, connect, and protect. 

The Role

The Finance Operations Controller will lead and support the operational accounting, planning and analytical support for Albemarle entities and joint ventures in Australia. The role will be the strategic, trusted Finance Operational leader and business partner of Albemarle’s site, and GBU responsible for driving process and cost discipline, efficiencies, and providing finance and economic analysis and support. 

The position will also be accountable and responsible for performing manufacturing/operations accounting, forecasting and analysis for the Kemerton plant and other sites, and supporting the Regional Finance Lead with joint ventures.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with site leadership to drive cost savings and operational results.
• Ensure the sites are following Albemarle’s manufacturing accounting, processes, procedures and reporting.
• Understand all financial and operating aspects of the manufacturing areas of responsibility.
• Manage and execute timely monthly operations closing and reporting.
• Provide accurate and timely manufacturing costs analysis to the site and appropriate GBU and Corporate stakeholders. 
• Manage and ensure accurate and timely preparation of the Annual Operating Plan and monthly forecasting.
• Support the Regional Finance Lead on joint venture finance by preparing analysis of results.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes and efficiencies in Joint Venture management reporting, and accounting processes.
• Support corporate and local audit, tax, and advisory firms, as needed.
• Lead, mentor and develop the local operating finance team to ensure a rewarding and challenging working environment and an adequate succession plan is in place.
• Participate as a member of the Kemerton operational leadership team providing Finance leadership and driving process and cost discipline and a focus on continual improvement.
• Execute an accurate and timely financial closing, including corporate and site accounting and internal control procedures.
• Provide concise and meaningful analysis of manufacturing operating results against budget, forecast, and prior year.
• Review JV provided results and forecasts and compare to budgets.
• Update monthly JV operating forecast and analytics to explain key changes.
• Enforce Albemarle policy and procedures, including internal / SOX controls.
• Review and approve capital project requests for manufacturing locations.
• Support financial data request from JV partner.
• Assist in special projects, ad hoc financial planning, and analytics.
• Collaborate with the shared service centres, the Corporate Manufacturing Finance group and others to ensure optimal utilization of these resources in accordance with Albemarle’s operating model.
• Manage and prepare the annual operational budgets for the responsible sites and legal entities

On Offer

The successful candidate will be provided with an attractive salary package and the following employee benefits:

• 12% superannuation
• Annual Incentive Plan Scheme
• Private Health Insurance subsidy - up to $1500 per year
• Novated Leasing
• Life Insurance and Income Protection Insurance

About You

Albemarle is a values-driven company that appreciates and promotes resilience, equity, inclusion and diversity of background, experience and expertise. As the successful candidate you will possess:

• 10+ years of progressive experience across multiple finance, accounting, processing plant controlling, mine operations controlling and/or business roles preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced financial modelling and Excel skills.
• Experience with SAP and business intelligence tools in a controlling or manufacturing finance role.
• Knowledge and experience with standard costing principles in manufacturing setting.
• Thorough manufacturing finance and financial accounting knowledge.
• Multinational experience preferred.
• Strong demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Track record of success managing multiple, critical projects simultaneously and meeting/exceeding expectations of working in a fast-paced environment.
• Intellectual curiosity.
• Highest standards of accuracy, precision, organization and attention to detail.
• Business and industry level strategic thinking capabilities. Understands business dynamics and the interplay between internal and external macroeconomic and competitive forces.
• Advanced oral and written communication behaviour and skills, strong presentation skills and ability to deliver strategic messages to senior leadership.

Education / Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, or Business Management.
• Master’s degree preferred but not essential. 
• CA or CPA qualified. 
• CFA or CMA certifications a plus.
• Six Sigma or other process training a plus

Albemarle requires successful applicants to pass a pre-employment medical, and complete on-boarding verification of employment history, right to work, qualifications and police clearance. 

Albemarle acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures; and to Elders past and present.

Albemarle is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from people encompassing diversity of age, ethnicity and cultural background - including First Nations Australians, and from those with varied religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical ability and thinking styles, family background and level of education and experience.

Albemarle is proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women. If you would like to know more information about how we are supporting our employees, click here:  Albemarle Corporation Benefits | WORK180 Endorsed Employer

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