Head of Finance & Controlling

Company Overview

ZEISS, a global leader in precision technology, has been pioneering science for over 178 years. With a diverse portfolio spanning Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets, and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, we employ over 42,000 people worldwide, including more than 4,000 in the U.S. and Canada. We believe that innovation and technology are key to a sustainable future and provide solutions for global change.

Maple Grove, MN. Hybrid schedule. Must reside in Minnesota.

Focused in Business Operations Excellence, the Head of Finance & Controlling IQS US Product Center will serve as a key business partner for senior management, influence decision‑making, identify finance priorities, and provide financial analytics, business insights, and ad‑hoc reporting.

• Leadership and Stakeholder Management:
  • Key member of senior management/leadership team
  • Routinely communicate business unit and financial performance trends, historical and forecasted, using appropriate metrics and suggest key actions
  • Coordinate the capital spending review process for the company
• Budget & Forecast:
  • Responsible for the company’s rolling budget, budget vs. forecast vs. actual analysis, and financial linkage to M&A activities
  • Manage processes for financial forecasting, budgets, consolidation and reporting to US and Germany; develop SAP and its CO module
  • Own multiple cost‑center budgets, lead review meetings and provide variance analysis to senior leadership
• Production & Cost Analysis:
  • Support IQS management with continuous improvement by analysing production, R&D and warranty costs
  • Analyse trends in KPIs across revenue, cost of sales, expenses, and capital expenditures
• Product Standard Cost & Master Data:
  • Support SAP master data creation with costing and accounting views; lead product standard cost development and annual revision
  • Maintain internal controls for financial infrastructure
• Closing & Audit:
  • Timely and accurate reporting to corporate headquarters; establish and monitor policies for budget and actuals
  • Interface with financial auditors; coordinate closing and external audits
  • Ensure compliance with US GAAP, US Tax, IFRS reporting requirements
  • Work with CZI (NY) on AP/AR postings and SLA compliance
• General Financial Functions:
  • Manage working capital, inventory, accounts receivable/payable, liquidity, cash forecasting and commissions
• Operational Excellence:
  • Drive strategic and tactical improvements across manufacturing, warehousing and logistics
  • Implement Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and digital transformation initiatives
  • Optimize production layouts, support ISO compliance and internal audits
  • Oversee warehouse stock optimization and automation projects
  • Align logistics operations with infrastructure planning
  • Monitor and improve KPIs such as utilization, working capital ratios, MOH, conversion rates
  • Lead operational health checks and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Develop strategic roadmaps for operational transformation
• Leadership & Culture:
  • Mentor and develop high‑performing teams across finance, operations, supply chain and logistics
  • Promote culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
  • Partner with HR and IT on recruitment and digital tools implementation
  • Foster transparency, accountability and best practice sharing

• Master’s degree in Finance (CPA/MBA preferred), Engineering, Operations Management or Accounting
• Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in finance, manufacturing, warehousing and logistics
• Proven success in Lean, Six Sigma and digital transformation initiatives
• Experience with SAP, WMS, automation technologies and operational management
• Strong analytical, strategic and communication skills
• Experience in high‑mix, low‑volume production and global supply chain environments
• Ideally, experience in a U.S. subsidiary of a European/German company and with premium brands

• Some travel required (~10%)
• Position requires 20% after‑hours and weekend project work
• In addition to finance function, work on defined global projects as directed by LLC Board

The annual pay range for this position is $155,000 – $193,000 and is also…