Industrial Controller, Director (f/m)

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Controller to serve as the accounting leader for Woodward’s Industrial segment. In this highly visible leadership role, you will have full ownership of the segment’s financial statements, closing processes, accounting controls, and compliance, while acting as a strategic finance partner to the Segment President and leadership team.

You will lead a global accounting organization, combining strong technical accounting expertise with business insight to drive financial performance, strengthen controls, and continuously improve processes and systems. You will also play a key role in the segment’s digital transformation, including SAP S/4HANA implementation, process standardization, automation, and opportunities to leverage AI.

What You Will Do

• Lead all accounting activities for the Industrial segment, ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP, local GAAP, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee key accounting areas including revenue recognition, inventory and cost accounting, reserves, accruals, and other significant accounting judgments.
• Partner closely with the Segment President, Industrial Operations Finance, and leadership teams to provide insights into business performance, profitability, working capital, cash flow, and operational metrics.
• Support strategic initiatives, capital investments, acquisitions, restructurings, and growth opportunities by providing guidance on accounting and financial implications.
• Maintain a strong internal control and SOX environment, lead remediation of control deficiencies and audit findings, and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Drive continuous improvement and digital transformation by simplifying and standardizing processes, eliminating manual activities, and identifying opportunities for automation and AI.
• Support SAP S/4HANA implementation across Industrial segment locations and optimize the use of financial systems and technologies.
• Partner across Corporate Accounting, Operations Finance, Tax, Treasury, Government Accounting, and other functions to meet financial and regulatory requirements.
• Lead, develop, and inspire a diverse, globally distributed accounting organization, building capabilities and leadership talent for current and future business needs.

What You Will Need

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

10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience leading accounting functions within a complex, multi-site environment.

Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and SOX requirements.

Strong background in revenue accounting, cost accounting, and inventory accounting.

Proven experience leading, developing, and engaging teams in a complex, international organization.

Experience partnering with executive leadership and translating financial information into actionable business recommendations.

Experience supporting a publicly traded company.

Strong knowledge of enterprise ERP systems, ideally SAP S/4HANA.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and business partnering skills.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, combined with strong executive presence and business acumen.

Excellent communication skills in English and Polish, both written and spoken.

Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced, global environment.

Ability to travel occasionally to Woodward sites, plants, or project locations.

Would be an advantage:

CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent advanced qualification.

Experience within a manufacturing environment.

Experience supporting major finance transformation, ERP implementation, or process automation initiatives.

What You Will Gain