Finance Controller

Job Title: Finance Controller Location(s): Lisle, IL Company Overview Founded in 1910, KONE is a global leader that provides elevators, escalators and automatic building doors, as well as solutions for maintenance and modernization that add value to buildings throughout their life cycle. Our mission is to improve the flow of urban life and make our world’s cities better places to live by providing innovative solutions that help make people’s journeys safe, convenient and reliable. Our operations in over 60 countries around the world has helped us achieve our position as an innovation and sustainability leader with repeated recognitions by Forbes, Corporate Knights for clean capitalism and others. Job Overview The Finance Controller is a key finance leadership role responsible for the integrity of the organization’s accounting, financial reporting, controllership, and finance operations activities across the United States. This role owns the legal entity Balance Sheet and Income Statement and ensures accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting in accordance with IFRS, company policies, and statutory requirements. Partnering closely with Business Finance, Shared Services, Tax, Treasury, HR, and Operations teams, the Finance Controller plays a critical role in driving financial discipline, strengthening internal controls, improving processes, and delivering high-quality financial insights to support business performance and decision-making. This role leads a team of finance professionals and operates within a fast-paced multinational environment focused on operational excellence, continuous improvement, and strong controllership. Key Responsibilities Financial Reporting & Controllership • Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities for US legal entities • Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting and balance sheet integrity • Review and approve key journal entries, reconciliations, accruals, and reporting adjustments • Partner with Business Controllers and FP&A to support financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting • Ensure compliance with IFRS, US GAAP, internal policies, and statutory requirements Balance Sheet & Operational Accounting Oversight • Own balance sheet governance and reconciliation quality across key accounts • Oversee operational accounting activities including payroll, treasury, fixed assets, intercompany; for P2P, and O2C processes – to the extent it impacts the Balance Sheet. • Ensure subledgers reconcile accurately to the General Ledger • Identify and resolve accounting discrepancies, process gaps, and reporting risks • Drive a strong “zero-surprise” controllership environment Audit, Controls & Compliance • Lead external and internal audit activities for US entities • Maintain strong internal controls across financial reporting and accounting operations • Ensure audit readiness, compliance, and appropriate supporting documentation • Monitor and remediate control gaps, compliance risks, and process deficiencies Shared Services & Process Improvement • Partner with Shared Services and global finance teams to ensure high-quality execution of accounting and reporting activities • Drive automation, standardization, and process improvement initiatives across finance operations • Support finance transformation and systems enhancement initiatives • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing finance team • Build strong partnerships across Finance, HR, Tax, Treasury, Operations, and Corporate teams • Provide financial insight and accounting expertise to support business decisions and operational performance Cash Flow, Treasury & Working Capital Oversight • Partner with Treasury and business leaders to support liquidity management and cash flow optimization • Oversee cash-related accounting activities, bank reconciliations, and treasury-related balance sheet accounts • Support working capital governance including oversight of AR aging, AP balances, unapplied cash, and intercompany settlements • Ensure financial impacts of foreign exchange and hedge accounting activities are appropriately reflected where applicable Payroll Accounting & Employee Cost Governance • Oversee all payroll accounting activities across salary, field, and hourly payroll environments • Ensure accurate accounting and reporting for wages, incentives, commissions, bonus accruals, stock compensation, benefits, and related employee costs • Ensure payroll-related balance sheet accounts are fully reconciled and supported • Partner closely with Payroll, HR, Treasury, Tax, and Shared Services teams to resolve accounting issues and improve payroll accounting processes • Support payroll-related audits, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations • Drive process automation and operational improvements across payroll accounting activities Qualifications & Experience Experience • 10+ years of progressive accounting, controllership, audit, or finance operations experience • Experience leading teams within a multinational or large corporate environment Education • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance • CPA or equivalent professional designation preferred Technical Skills • Strong knowledge of: • IFRS and financial reporting principles • General Ledger and financial close processes • Balance sheet reconciliations and controls • Financial statement analysis and reporting • Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems required • Experience with financial reporting and reconciliation tools (e.g., SAP BPC, Blackline) preferred • Advanced Excel and analytical skills required • Experience with Power BI, Alteryx, or Power Automate is a plus Professional Capabilities • Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills • Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability • A "Change Agent" mindset—the ability to influence peers in a matrixed global organization • Ability to simplify complex financial concepts for non-finance stakeholders. • Strong ownership mindset and attention to detail • Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment • Continuous improvement and process optimization mindset About KONE At KONE, we foster an innovative and collaborative culture, valuing each individual's contribution. Employee engagement and sustainability are key focuses, promoting ethical practices and mutual respect. We're proud to offer experiences and opportunities to help you achieve career and personal goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. • We hire individuals who value culture because we believe culture drives innovation. • We value your authentic self. • Collaborative, creative, and supportive work environment. • Passionate about safety, quality, and innovation • We care about the communities where we live and work. Just some of our many benefits include: • Competitive salary • Flexible work schedule • Opportunities to learn and grow • 401K Employer Match • 401k Employer Non-elective Contribution • Well-being Program • Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Insurance • Digital Health Solutions & Telehealth • Health Savings Account (HSA) • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) • Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) • Family & Medical Leave • Parental Leave • Leave to Care for a Domestic Partner • Paid Time Off & Holidays • Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance • Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance • Company Paid Short-term and Long-term Disability • Buy-Up Long-term Disability • Critical Illness Insurance • Hospital Indemnity & Accident Insurance • Identity Theft Protection • Legal Insurance • KONE Credit Union • Tuition Reimbursement • Commuter Benefits Annual Base Pay Range: The hiring range for this role in Lisle, IL location is $179,200– $235,200. The compensation package offered will depend on candidate’s ability to meet the requirements of the role, needs for the business strategy, and a range of factors unique to each candidate, including their skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and location. We will also consider candidates in the following areas. Below are the different ranges applicable to those locations: Allen, TX area hiring range: $167,400– $219,765. Variable Compensation KONE Annual Bonus plan at 20% Target Incentive (60/40) based on achievement of company goals and individual goals. Come share your passion and energy to make a positive impact at KONE for our customers and your career ! *Beware of Recruitment Scams!* KONE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Read more on www.kone.com/en/careers/ Any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Read more on www.kone.com/en/careers/ At KONE, we are focused on creating an innovative and collaborative working culture where we value the contribution of each individual. Employee engagement is a key focus area for us and we encourage participation and the sharing of information and ideas. Sustainability is an integral part of our culture and the daily practice. We follow ethical business practices and we seek to develop a culture of working together where co-workers trust and respect each other and good performance is recognized. In being a great place to work, we are proud to offer a range of experiences and opportunities that will help you to achieve your career and personal goals and enable you to live a healthy and balanced life. Read more on https://kone.com/global/en/careers.html