Controller

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

Scope of Position

Watts Water Technologies is seeking an experienced and highly motivated accounting leader to join its Americas accounting team in the role of Controller. This role will be responsible for leading key accounting operations, including monthly close, financial reporting support, billing and collections oversight, balance sheet integrity, internal controls, audit support, and process improvement initiatives.

The Controller will partner closely with Finance leadership, Shared Services, Operations, Sales, and other cross-functional teams to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting. This role will also help drive scalable improvements across accounting processes, systems, and controls while providing guidance and oversight to members of the accounting team.

This role reports to the Senior Manager, Finance and Strategy and will have two direct report.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close process, including management of close timelines, review of journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules.

• Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, billing activity, collections reporting, and other accounting deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies.

• Oversee customer billing, collections, DSO performance, and AR aging to ensure timely invoicing, cash collection, and resolution of outstanding receivables.

• Own daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly batch posting and approval processes, ensuring transactions are posted accurately and timely.

• Maintain ownership of assigned balance sheet accounts and ensure related reconciliations, reserves, and accounting judgments are properly documented and supported.

• Support preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and related internal and external reporting requirements.

• Participate in monthly reporting to HFM, including trial balance loads, supplemental data forms, and review of reporting accuracy.

• Meet with team members and Finance leadership to review accounting results, balance sheet analytics, operating expense trends, and key financial reporting matters.

• Track performance against budget and forecast and explain significant variances, risks, and opportunities.

• Lead accounting process improvements and system enhancements within Epicor ERP, Avalara, HFM, Microsoft Office tools, and related finance systems.

• Identify automation and efficiency opportunities and drive initiatives through completion to improve close efficiency, reporting quality, billing accuracy, and collections visibility.

• Own and maintain SOX control documentation related to internal controls over financial reporting and support annual SOX testing requirements.

• Monitor key internal controls, identify control gaps, and support remediation plans as needed.

• Lead preparation and review of audit and tax schedules, including coordination of support for internal and external audit requests.

• Responsible for monthly sales tax review and payments in Avalara.

• Assist with the preparation, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of accounting policies and procedures.

• Provide guidance, coaching, and support to accounting team members to promote accuracy, accountability, professional development, and timely completion of responsibilities.

• Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Shared Services teams to resolve accounting issues and improve end-to-end processes.

• Support ad hoc accounting, reporting, analysis, compliance, and transformation projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.

• 2+ years of supervisory, team lead, close ownership, or accounting process leadership experience.

• Strong general ledger accounting experience, including month-end close, account reconciliations, accruals, financial statement support, and balance sheet analysis.

• Experience with manufacturing, SaaS sales, public corporations, or multi-entity accounting environments.

• ERP system experience required; Epicor ERP experience preferred.

• Experience with internal controls, SOX compliance, audit support, and accounting policy adherence.

• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.

• Excellent system and computer skills, with strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

• Advanced Excel skills, including the ability to manipulate, analyze, and summarize large data sets.

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to identify trends, risks, and process improvement opportunities.

• Superior organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet critical deadlines, and lead work across recurring close and reporting cycles.

• Self-motivated problem solver with strong attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with accounting, finance, operations, and business leaders.

• Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal skills are essential.

• Must be flexible and able to accurately work under time constraints and deadlines.

• Travel up to 10%.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or CPA candidate preferred.

• Public company accounting experience preferred.

• Prior experience supporting SOX controls in a public company environment preferred.

• Experience with Epicor ERP, Avalara, HFM, Power BI, or similar reporting and finance systems preferred.

• Experience leading process improvement, automation, ERP enhancement, or finance transformation initiatives preferred.

• Prior people management or direct supervisory experience preferred.

• Experience in manufacturing, recurring revenue, SaaS, or connected products business models preferred.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts' values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.

• Punctuality and dependability.

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.

• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.

• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.

• Adherence to Watts' seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions

While performing the job duties, you will be working in an office environment. You will be required to work in the office at the Escondido, CA location three days per week, Monday through Wednesday, and can work remotely two days per week, Thursday and Friday.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.

• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.

• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform d