VP - Corporate Controller

Description

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.

• Exceptional communication, stakeholder influence, and executive presence.
• People Development:
  Coaches leaders; fosters accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strategic & Commercial Acumen:
  Connect financial signals to enterprise…