VP - Corporate Controller in Simpson, Pennsylvania at Gentex Corporation

The Corporate Controller serves as the senior-most accounting and financial reporting strategic leader reporting to the CFO for Gentex Corporation. This role owns enterprise accounting integrity, cash and liquidity strategy, capital structure, and banking relationships. The VP ensures timely, accurate GAAP reporting and robust internal controls; optimizes cash flow and working capital; manages debt and letters of credit; and partners with the CFO and executive team on capital allocation and risk management. The role is responsible for leading the consolidation, general accounting and subledger accounting groups of Gentex Corporation. This global role oversees the financial operations of the company and ensures accurate and timely recording of financial transactions. This role will also manage the day-to-day accounting functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Enterprise Accounting Leadership

• Own end-to-end US GAAP accounting, monthly/quarterly close, and year-end consolidation across all entities, including variable interest entities (VIEs); ensure accuracy of eliminations and foreign currency translation.
• Maintain and evolve accounting policies; prepare technical accounting memos and lead external audit coordination.
• Oversee payroll, general ledger, accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) operations; drive automation and cycle-time reduction.
• Manage and oversee the Gentex Europe Finance team led by a localized Finance Director.

2) Treasury Strategy & Liquidity

• Develop Gentex’s cash and liquidity strategy (short- and long-term), including cash pooling and concentration, investment of surplus funds within risk and liquidity parameters, and daily cash operations oversight.
• Lead working capital optimization across inventory, receivables, and payables in partnership with Operations and Commercial.

3) Banking Relationships

• Manages operational banking relationship and credit facilities administration - including the investment sweep and committed revolving lines, sublimit for letters of credit and payment cards, covenant monitoring, and Compliance Certificates - ensuring full adherence to facility requirements and proactive lender communications.
• Oversee issuance and administration of export and standby letters of credit to support collections and performance obligations.
• Advise CFO on capital structure (debt, equity), and capital allocation (e.g., share repurchases and funding of capex) consistent with enterprise strategy and performance.

4) Financial Reporting

• Deliver timely, accurate consolidated financial statements (income, balance sheet, cash flows); translate performance signals into actions for profitability, cash conversion, and growth.

5) Risk Management & Hedging

• Identify and manage financial risks (interest rate, FX, credit). Recommend hedging strategies and counterparty limits; establish policy guardrails and monitoring.
• Maintain robust treasury controls; ensure segregation of duties and secure payment processes.

6) Insurance Program Governance

• Lead enterprise insurance strategy and policy administration across property, liability, and other lines; oversee renewals, broker/carrier negotiations, and coverage adequacy in coordination with Legal and Operations.

7) Systems, Data & Controls

• Sponsor ERP/treasury technology and analytics upgrades; strengthen data governance for finance and treasury records; ensure audit-ready documentation and evidence trails.

8) People Leadership

• Lead and develop the Corporate Accounting & Treasury organization (General Accounting, AP, AR, Payroll, Treasury). Define structure, roles, succession, and career pathways; set clear goals and performance standards.
• Lead and develop the Gentex Europe finance team directly.
• Provide oversight and best practices to financial resources globally for the efficient roll-up of consolidation, close, and reporting.

EDUCATION AND/OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE(s):

MBA, MS in accounting or related field and/or CPA certification are required

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive accounting experience
• Minimum of 7 years leading managers and cross-functional teams, especially in complex, multi-entity global organizations.
• Experience working within a defense, aerospace, or equipment manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with DFARS, CAS, government costing, and DoD audit expectations.
• SAP, AI and operational excellence transformation experience.
• International experience and oversight of foreign subsidiaries.
• Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, global consolidations, and technical accounting.
• Demonstrated leadership in strengthening controls, modernizing finance processes, and improving close and reporting efficiency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES:

• Exceptional communication, stakeholder influence, and executive presence.
• People Development: Coaches leaders; fosters accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strategic & Commercial Acumen: Connect financial signals to enterprise strategy and value creation.
• Control Mindset: Designs scalable controls and audit-ready processes across accounting and treasury.
• Bank/Lender Management: Builds trust, anticipates issues, and delivers covenant compliance.
• Operational Excellence: Simplifies processes; reduces cycle time in close, AP, AR, and cash ops.
• Deep US GAAP expertise (consolidation, VIEs, foreign currency), audit, tax and accounting policy development and processes related to Banking, A/P, A/R, Fixed Assets, Payroll, expense management, state + federal tax, as well as M&A (due diligence and purchase accounting) experience.
• Advanced systems proficiency (ERP, treasury/workflow tools, Excel/BI); track record of driving automation and control improvements.
• High integrity and commitment to compliance.
• Proven ability to lead through influence in a global, matrixed environment.
• Strong talent development, performance management, and team-building skills.

LOCATION: Gentex’s Carbondale facility is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania in Lackawanna County. Carbondale, PA is about twenty miles north of Scranton, PA, 50 miles south of Binghamton, NY, and about 125 miles from New York City and Philadelphia. The area hosts numerous nearby state parks, nature preserves and local colleges and universities, including The University of Scranton and Marywood University. Northeast Pennsylvania is a beautiful area and offers an excellent cost of living. It is a great place to work, recreate, meet people, raise a family and live!

Gentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for any applicable state or federal protected class. Gentex is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required.