Controller, Smith Blair

The Controller, Smith-Blair is the senior finance leader responsible for the overall financial management and performance of the business. Partnering closely with the General Manager and leadership team, this role drives financial strategy, supports operational excellence, and enables informed decision-making that fuels profitable growth.

Controller Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Controllership

• Lead all monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities for Smith-Blair.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and complete financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP and Xylem accounting policies.
• Certify financial results and maintain a strong control environment in compliance with SOX requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in close processes, reporting quality, and financial transparency.
• Coordinate internal and external audit requirements and ensure prompt resolution of audit findings.
• Maintain ownership of balance sheet integrity, account reconciliations, and financial compliance processes.

Business Partnership & Operational Finance

• Serve as a trusted finance business partner to the Smith-Blair General Manager and leadership team.
• Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis, scenario modeling, and operational insights.
• Partner closely with commercial, operations, supply chain, engineering, and product management teams to improve business performance.
• Develop actionable recommendations to improve revenue growth, profitability, working capital, and return on invested capital.
• Drive fact-based decision making through operational and financial performance metrics.

Planning, Forecasting & Performance Management

• Lead the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), quarterly forecast process, and Long-Range Planning (LRP) activities.
• Develop robust forecasting processes to improve predictability and accountability.
• Analyze business performance and provide clear variance explanations and corrective action plans.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to orders, revenue, gross margin, EBITDA, inventory, backlog, and working capital.
• Support the development of growth initiatives, productivity programs, and strategic investments.

Working Capital Management

• Drive improvements in inventory management, receivables collection, payables management, and overall working capital performance.
• Partner with operations and supply chain teams to optimize inventory levels and backlog conversion.
• Lead working capital forecasting and support working capital improvement initiatives.
• Identify risks and opportunities impacting working capital performance.

Compliance, Controls & Governance

• Ensure adherence to Xylem financial policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Maintain effective financial controls and risk management processes.
• Manage statutory reporting requirements and support compliance with applicable tax and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure appropriate documentation of business processes and financial controls.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the Smith-Blair finance team.
• Establish a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and business partnership.
• Drive employee development, succession planning, and talent growth within the finance organization.
• Foster strong engagement and alignment with Xylem's High Impact Culture.

Key Success Measures

• Accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting.
• Successful completion of all financial certifications and compliance requirements.
• Strong forecasting accuracy and achievement of operating commitments.
• Improvements in working capital performance.
• Effective internal control environment with no material weaknesses.
• Successful delivery of productivity, margin expansion, and growth initiatives.
• Development and retention of high-performing finance talent.

Controller Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive finance, accounting, or controllership experience.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and operational environments.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and business partnering.
• Strong leadership and people development capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems, financial reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred

• CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• Prior experience in industrial manufacturing or engineered products businesses.
• Experience supporting inventory-intensive operations.
• Knowledge of SAP, OneStream, Power BI, or similar systems.
• Experience leading finance transformation and process improvement initiatives.

Leadership Attributes

The successful candidate will:

• Act as a business leader first and a finance leader second.
• Demonstrate strong ownership and accountability for business results.
• Translate financial information into actionable business insights.
• Challenge assumptions constructively while maintaining strong partnerships.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Develop talent and build organizational capability.
• Operate with the highest levels of integrity, compliance, and professionalism.

Compensation and Benefits

XYLEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS POSITION.

The estimated salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000 plus bonus. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.

Why Xylem?

We believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally. Our benefits include:

• Paid parental leave, maternity support, and fertility benefits
• Flexibility and hybrid work options where applicable
• Health, dental, and vision insurance from day one
• Emotional health and wellness programs and Volunteer program (Watermark)
• Paid time off (PTO)/Flexible time off (FTO) and paid holidays
• Career development, advancement, tuition reimbursement, and student loan forgiveness
• Generous retirement savings plan with company contribution
• Employee recognition and discount programs

Ready to grow your career while making a difference? Join a team that values your skills, supports your development, and empowers you to help solve global water challenges.

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed.