ESG CONTROLLER

American Axle & Manufacturing - Detroit, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Detroit, MI

51-100 employees

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The ESG Controller will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the company's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting and compliance activities. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of global ESG standards, regulations, and best practices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to drive sustainability initiatives. Reporting directly to the Chief Accounting Officer, the ESG Controller will engage regularly with Corporate Finance, Sustainability, Facilities, HR, Legal, and other departments to ensure cohesive ESG strategies across the organization. In this role, the ESG Controller will be responsible for driving, leading, and overseeing AAM's ESG reporting strategy, ensuring that ESG reporting is seamlessly integrated into the company's financial reporting structure. The individual will maintain a thorough understanding of regulatory developments and global ESG frameworks, keeping abreast of industry trends and best practices related to ESG reporting. Compliance with ESG reporting standards will be a key focus, requiring coordination across all AAM departments and locations. The ESG Controller will work closely with AAM's Sustainability department to ensure strategic alignment on a wide range of ESG projects and initiatives, including the annual Sustainability report, CSRD, and CDP reporting. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to collect accurate ESG data, develop project plans for ESG reporting readiness, identify gaps, and maintain open communication with senior leadership and other stakeholders. Additionally, the ESG Controller will design, implement, and monitor an internal control framework over ESG data collection and reporting processes, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the information reported.

Responsibilities

• Drive, lead, and oversee AAM's ESG reporting strategy.
• Integrate ESG reporting into AAM's financial reporting structure.
• Maintain knowledge of regulatory developments and global ESG frameworks.
• Ensure ESG reporting compliance across all AAM departments and locations.
• Collaborate with the Sustainability department on ESG projects and initiatives.
• Collect precise ESG data and develop project plans for reporting readiness.
• Identify gaps in ESG reporting and maintain communication with stakeholders.
• Design, implement, and monitor an internal control framework for ESG data.

Requirements

• 5-10 years of experience in accounting, finance, compliance, or regulatory reporting.
• Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required.
• MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• Experience in accounting or finance, compliance, and/or regulatory reporting; recent ESG experience preferred.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Prior experience with assessing, designing, and implementing end-to-end processes and internal controls is a plus.
• Experience in the automotive industry preferred.
• Above average or advanced PC skills required (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Access, Word).
• Experience with Oracle ERP and/or Hyperion Financial Management preferred.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills for presentations and meeting facilitation.
• Self-starter with the ability to complete projects from start to finish.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with sustainability reporting frameworks such as GRI or SASB.
• Familiarity with carbon accounting and climate risk assessment.
• Knowledge of stakeholder engagement strategies related to ESG.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements.