Corporate Controller

About Ketjen
Ketjen Corporation is a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Our company is driven by a strong set of core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we work together to deliver exceptional value to our customers and communities.

About the Role
The Corporate Controller is responsible for leading global accounting operations, including financial reporting, consolidations, manufacturing accounting, internal controls, statutory accounting, and general ledger accounting. Reporting directly to the CFO and based in Ketjen’s Houston area office (Clear Lake), this strategic role is a key member of the finance leadership team. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in US GAAP, strong leadership skills, and experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, preferably chemicals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Accounting Leadership & Transformation

• Lead the accounting stand up and separation from the former parent.
• Oversee all global accounting operations including external reporting, consolidations, general ledger, manufacturing accounting, and internal controls.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with US GAAP.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare consolidated financial statements and coordinate external audits with independent auditors.
• Ensure robust internal controls are in place and comply with SOX or other applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Manage accounting policies and procedures, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with corporate objectives and evolving standards.
• Stay abreast of changes in accounting regulations and communicate the implications to executive leadership as appropriate.

Strategic Partnership & Team Development

• Partner with the CFO and other executives to provide strategic insights based on financial data and analysis.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Drive process improvements, system enhancements, and automation initiatives to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Support tax, treasury, legal, and FP&A teams with accurate and timely financial data and reporting.
• Oversee compliance with statutory reporting requirements in various jurisdictions.
• Serve as primary contact for external auditors and regulatory agencies on accounting matters.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA required
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or controller role in a manufacturing environment; experience in specialty chemicals a strong plus
• Deep knowledge of US GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and financial reporting tools; SAP experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence senior stakeholders
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• High integrity, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement
• Strong communication skills
• Strong alignment with Ketjen’s core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline
• Experience in specialty chemicals or related manufacturing industries
• Demonstrated success in leading accounting transformations, system implementations, or organizational change