Head of MCS IO Finance

Remote from: USA
Annual salary: Undisclosed
Salary information is not provided for this position. Check our Salary Directory to estimate the average compensation for similar roles.
Department: Finance & Accounting
Employment type: Full Time,
Job posted: 26 May 2026
Apply before: 26 Jun 2026
Experience level: Director
Views / Applies: 26 / 1

Arxada is a global specialty chemicals business dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that make everyday life safer, cleaner, and more sustainable.

Chemicals
2021

AI Summary

This role is for a Head of MCS IO Finance at Arxada, a global specialty chemicals company. The position involves strategic financial leadership for the Microbial Control Solutions Integrated Operations, partnering with the SVP to drive profitability and efficiency across manufacturing and supply chain. Key responsibilities include financial planning, analysis, risk management, and leading a global team of plant controllers. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of experience in FP&A or manufacturing finance in a multinational environment. This is a senior leadership role requiring strong analytical, strategic, and communication skills.

Role DNA

Job Complexity

Easy Hard

Pace & Pressure

Relaxed Fast-paced

Autonomy Level

Guided Full Ownership

Communication Load

Independent Highly Collaborative

AI Insight The role requires 10+ years of experience, senior leadership, global team management, and strategic influence at the C-suite level, making it highly challenging.

Salary Analysis

AI Insight The salary for this position is not specified, but based on market data for a Head of Finance in a global multinational company, the median salary is estimated at $200,000. This is competitive for a senior leadership role in the specialty chemicals industry.

Key Skills

Financial Planning & Analysis Cost Accounting SAP Strategic Planning Global Team Leadership Manufacturing Finance Business Intelligence Risk Management Digitalization Change Management

Cover Letter Sample

I am writing to express my interest in the Head of MCS IO Finance position at Arxada. With over 10 years of experience in financial planning and analysis within multinational manufacturing environments, I have developed a strong track record of driving profitability and operational efficiency. My expertise in cost accounting, SAP, and business intelligence tools aligns perfectly with the requirements of this role.

In my previous role as Finance Director for a global chemical company, I led financial cycles including annual targets, monthly outlooks, and strategic planning, while partnering with senior leadership to influence key decisions. I have successfully managed global teams and implemented digitalization initiatives to enhance transparency and performance.

I am particularly drawn to Arxada's commitment to sustainability and innovation. I am confident that my strategic mindset and hands-on approach would enable me to serve as a trusted co-pilot to the SVP and drive value creation across the MCS Integrated Operations.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to Arxada's success.

Possible Interview Questions

Can you describe your experience in leading financial cycles for a global manufacturing operation?

In my previous role, I owned the entire financial planning process including annual budgets, monthly forecasts, and long-term strategic plans. I coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with business objectives and delivered variance analysis to senior leadership.

How have you used data and digital tools to improve financial reporting and decision-making?

I implemented Power BI dashboards that provided real-time visibility into cost drivers and KPIs, enabling faster decision-making. I also led the integration of SAP and OneStream to automate reporting and reduce manual errors.

Describe a time when you had to influence a senior leader to change a strategic decision. How did you approach it?

I presented a data-driven analysis showing that a proposed investment would not meet ROI targets. I built a compelling business case with alternative scenarios, and the SVP agreed to reconsider, ultimately choosing a more profitable option.

How do you develop and lead a global team of finance professionals?

I focus on clear communication of expectations, regular check-ins, and providing growth opportunities. I also foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement by setting individual goals aligned with company objectives.

What is your approach to risk management in a manufacturing finance context?

I establish a robust risk register and monitor key cost drivers and savings initiatives. I proactively identify variances and work with operations to develop mitigation plans, ensuring we stay on track with EBITDA targets.

Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection. With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved sales of CHF 2 billion in 2024. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,200 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success.

As Head of MCS Integrated Operations Finance, you are a pivotal member of the Microbial Control Solutions (MCS) Integrated Operations Leadership Team and act as a trusted co‑pilot to the Senior Vice President, MCS Integrated Operations. In this global role, you drive financial excellence across manufacturing and supply chain operations, balancing strategic foresight with hands‑on execution. You enable data‑driven decision‑making, strengthen governance, and foster collaboration across Operations and Business Units to enhance profitability, resilience, and sustainable growth. This is a unique opportunity to influence global operations, shape long‑term value creation, and go beyond traditional finance leadership.

Essential Job Functions:

Act as strategic finance business partner to the SVP Integrated Operations, influencing procurement, manufacturing, and supply chain decisions with a strong focus on profitability and value creation
Own and lead all financial cycles for Integrated Operations, including yearly targets, monthly outlooks, actuals and variance analysis, and multi‑year strategic planning
Take primary responsibility for Monthly Business Review (MBR) preparation with the CEO and CFO, co‑leading content, insights, and key messages together with the IO SVP
Collaborate closely across the Finance organization, particularly with MCS Business Unit Finance and FP&A, to ensure accurate reporting on cash costs, productivity, and savings initiatives
Drive robust project controlling for major capital investments, strengthening financial governance and ensuring disciplined return on investment
Own risk and opportunity management within the IO cost perimeter, acting as accountable owner of cash costs and savings initiatives impacting EBITDA and cash flow
Monitor financial and non‑financial KPIs related to cost efficiency, productivity, inventory management, and compliance; proactively flag variances and develop countermeasures with leadership to get back on target
Lead and develop a truly global team of plant controllers, fostering talent development, engagement, and a high‑performance culture
Strengthen collaboration with Business Lines to ensure strong alignment between commercial priorities and operational execution
Champion digitalization and automation through tools such as SAP, OneStream, and Power BI to enhance transparency, efficiency, and performance tracking
Ensure adherence to corporate accounting standards, internal controls, and compliance requirements
Lead continuous improvement and change management initiatives, fostering grit, accountability, and a mindset of deciding and driving outcomes

Qualifications & Experience:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, Accounting, or Business, or equivalent demonstrated experience
Min. 10+ years of experience in FP&A, Controlling, or Manufacturing Finance within a multinational environment
Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to influence at senior levels and lead diverse, global teams
Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills
Deep expertise in cost accounting and SAP; strong proficiency in business intelligence and reporting tools

Arxada has world class offering in two distinct areas: **Microbial Control Solutions (MCS)** focuses on threats posed by microorganisms to people and planet through five distinct business lines including Professional Hygiene, Home & Personal Care, Wood Protection, Paints & Coatings and Material Protection. **Nutrition, Care & Environmental (NCE),** meanwhile, provides materials used to manufacture composites for electronics, aerospace and other markets, as well as vitamins and nutritional ingredients, chemicals and performance intermediates, and raw materials for a wide range of high-performance applications.

Arxada is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a qualified individual with disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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