Vice President & Corporate Controller

Position Summary

The new RailAmerica Vice President & Corporate Controller will be responsible for leading the Company’s accounting, financial reporting and controls processes (including Sarbanes-Oxley compliance). 

Major Responsibilities

Areas of responsibility include general accounting, revenue accounting, fixed asset accounting, equipment accounting and financial reporting (including SEC compliance).

• Serves as a business partner to management at all levels of the organization.

• Ensures the highest level of integrity and accuracy in accounting, financial reporting and SOX compliance.

• Advises management on the full range of accounting, reporting and control matters based on outstanding technical skills and applicable experience.  Has a proven ability to research complicated accounting issues and use outside experts effectively.

• Maintains effective relationships with the Audit Committee, external auditors, internal auditors, and other financial intermediaries, as required.

• Assists in the preparation of reports and presentations to the company’s Board of Directors and Audit Committee relating to the company’s financial performance. 

Ideal Experience

• Ten to 20 years of combined experience in public company and/or public accounting settings (with 3-5 years experience as Corporate Controller).  Direct experience in rail industry or with other transportation-related businesses preferable, but not required.

• In-depth knowledge of accounting, control, SEC reporting, audit, and Sarbanes-Oxley activities.

• Successful experience improving profitability and productivity, while reducing costs and driving automation in businesses – including shortening accounting closing cycles.

• Significant experience implementing/optimizing ERP systems (preferably SAP).

• Track record of building strong controllership organizations with rigorous controls, processes and systems.  Experience managing the key data and metrics of a company’s operating and financial performance.

• Prior experience in preparing for an IPO.  Active involvement analyzing and executing various M&A transactions and engagement in integration activities also would be desirable.

• Experience in managing the integration of acquired businesses and operations.

• Undergraduate degree in Finance and/or Accounting and a CPA are required. Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting or similar discipline is preferred, but not required.

Critical Competencies for Success

• Extensive SEC reporting, accounting systems and control experience.

• Action-oriented, disciplined business partner and change agent.

• Ability to interface with exacting standards and intense pace of the Company.

• Strong leadership and development skills in order to manage employees within the department.

Other Personal Characteristics

• Highest level of integrity and character.

• Strong quality orientation.  Precise and detail-oriented.  Produces timely and comprehensive reports, performance data, etc.

• Action-oriented; results-oriented; ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and expeditiously.  Hands-on and detail-oriented.

• Excellent analytical, strategic and implementation skills.

• Energetic, intense and industrious.

• Team-player, capable of building strong and effective relationships through excellent interpersonal communication, both internally and externally.

• Commanding presence, with the ability to influence constituencies across internal functions, customers and partners.