Financial Controller, Cleveland Wheels

About the Role

Howmet Aerospace is seeking a Controller to join the Howmet Wheel Systems (HWS) business unit in Cleveland, OH. This position will report to the Regional Controller, The Americas, and will be responsible for coordinating and providing a broad range of financial and operational analysis activities for the Cleveland manufacturing location.

Responsibilities

• Analyze financial data, identify and report progress toward plan commitments, financial performance achievements, and trends; identify opportunities to influence financial performance.
• Provide oversight and accountability for key finance-owned performance tracking processes, including the CIP Initiatives Savings Tracker and monthly Cost Per Wheel (CPW) reporting and analysis.
• Ensure capital initiatives are appropriately captured, projected, and actual savings are reviewed and validated by Finance; ensure CPW performance is accurately reported and tracked against forecast and operating targets.
• Partner with plant management to conduct weekly cost reviews with cost owners across Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and EHS; track spending against targets, identify savings opportunities, and support business priorities.
• Prepare bottoms-up monthly forecast with input from Manufacturing, Global Supply Chain, and Commercial; present the forecast to Regional & Segment management teams with relevant variance analysis and risk/opportunities.
• Facilitate the monthly closing process for the Cleveland Wheels manufacturing location, ensuring journal entries are prepared and approved accurately and closing is done timely.
• Lead the development of the annual operating plan, including revenue, production, profitability, expense, working capital, inventory management, cost standards, and capital investment forecasts.
• Establish appropriate financial controls, reporting, and review processes to monitor performance against the plan and drive corrective actions.
• Collaborate with functional leaders to deliver targets such as labor efficiency, scrap, and indirect spend; compare actual performance with operating plan and monthly forecast while providing necessary reports and interpretation of results.
• Lead and develop a team of financial professionals by establishing clear goals, responsibilities, and performance expectations; monitor performance and provide ongoing coaching and support.
• Participate in weekly P&L meetings with a focus on articulating week-over-week changes and minimizing variances at closing.
• Coordinate compliance activities across all scopes and disciplines, ensuring ASATs are completed comprehensively and timely; document and remediate identified gaps.
• Serve as the primary liaison for both Internal Audit and PwC requests.
• Oversee and coordinate multiple full physical inventories annually in accordance with internal audit requirements; ensure the annual fixed asset physical inventory is completed accurately and timely.
• Perform ad hoc analyses as requested by the Regional Controller, The Americas, and other leadership.
• Ensure integrity of all account reconciliations (both local and centralized) and miscellaneous inventory adjustments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 8 years of financial analysis experience, preferably as an Assistant Controller or Plant Controller.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States; verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Qualifications

• Possess or currently working towards obtaining CPA and/or MBA.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and auditing principles and practices.
• Experience with data querying tools, Oracle, and Hyperion.
• Robust background in cost accounting and/or financial analysis within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills, with a self-motivated, team-oriented perspective.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to learn quickly, work on multiple concurrent assignments, and complete tasks in a timely and organized approach.

About Us

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. Our primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts, and forged wheels. With $8.3 billion in revenue in 2025, our products play a crucial role in enabling fuel efficiency and lightweighting, contributing to our customers’ success and making a positive impact on the world.

Howmet Wheel Systems (HWS) invented the forged wheel in 1948 and remains the global leader in providing safe, strong, lightweight, and innovative aluminum transportation products. HWS serves the commercial vehicle market and employs nearly 2,000 people at 14 locations worldwide.