Assistant Controller

About the Role

The Global Assistant Controller (CAO Successor) is a critical finance leadership role designed to serve as the identified successor to the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO). This position leads key elements of Stepan’s global accounting and reporting function while building the capability, business acumen, and leadership readiness required to assume full Controller responsibilities. Operating within Stepan’s Project Catalyst transformation, this role will drive financial discipline, strengthen global controls, and enhance the scalability of accounting operations across a complex, multinational specialty chemicals organization.

Role Scope & Succession Expectations

• Acts as deputy to the Chief Accounting Officer, with increasing ownership of global accounting oversight
• Provides direct exposure to the CFO, Audit Committee, and external auditors
• Takes on progressive responsibility for SEC reporting, technical accounting, and global consolidation
• Demonstrates readiness to step into the Chief Accounting Officer role within 12–24 months, based on performance

Responsibilities

• Global Financial Reporting Leadership
  • Lead consolidated financial reporting, including oversight of monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
  • Co-own external reporting (10-K, 10-Q, earnings) with the Chief Accounting Officer, with expectation to fully assume responsibility over time
  • Ensure consistency, accuracy, and transparency across Stepan’s global financial results
• Controller Readiness – Expanded Ownership
  • Serve as primary proxy for the Chief Accounting Officer in leadership forums, including finance leadership meetings and cross-functional discussions
  • Present financial results, accounting issues, and control matters to senior leadership and, as appropriate, the Audit Committee
  • Build deep understanding of Stepan’s business model (Surfactants, Polymers, global manufacturing footprint)
• Technical Accounting & Governance
  • Lead resolution of complex technical accounting matters, including restructuring, supply chain changes, and transformation-related activities under Project Catalyst
  • Oversee accounting policy and ensure global consistency
  • Develop capability to serve as the final authority on accounting decisions (Controller-level expectation)
• Internal Controls & Audit Leadership
  • Ensure effectiveness of Stepan’s global SOX control environment; ensure controls are performed, evidenced, and remediated
  • Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and Internal Audit, with increasing independence
  • Ensure strong governance through transformation-related changes
• Transformation & Operational Excellence
  • Lead finance workstreams supporting Project Catalyst, including simplification and process standardization
  • Drive adoption of best-in-class close, consolidation, and reporting practices
  • Advance ERP and automation initiatives to reduce complexity and improve data integrity
• Global Team Leadership
  • Lead accounting teams