Operations Finance Manager

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on finance professional to support manufacturing operations by providing financial leadership, operational insight, and business partnership across the plant. This role will work closely with operational leaders to drive profitability, identify cost-saving opportunities, support budgeting and forecasting activities, and provide meaningful analysis that influences business decisions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, and FP& A, along with the ability to translate financial data into actionable business recommendations.

Key Responsibilities:

Business Partnership

• Collaborate with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to provide financial guidance and support operational decision-making.
• Translate financial results and trends into actionable recommendations that improve performance and profitability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to operational stakeholders.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Prepare and analyze monthly departmental and operational P& Ls, including budget-to-actual and forecast comparisons.
• Support annual budgeting and rolling forecast processes.
• Perform variance analysis and identify key financial and operational drivers.
• Provide financial reporting and performance insights to leadership.

Cost Accounting & Cost Optimization

• Analyze material, labor, and overhead costs to identify efficiency opportunities.
• Support and monitor cost reduction initiatives throughout the operation.
• Track savings projects and measure results against established targets.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance financial performance.

Performance Management

• Develop and monitor KPIs related to operational efficiency, cost management, and profitability.
• Deliver clear, concise reporting and analysis to support business decisions.
• Assist leadership in evaluating performance trends and improvement opportunities.

Capital Planning & Operational Support

• Support capital investment analysis, including ROI calculations, payback analysis, and business case development.
• Participate in continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Partner with operational teams to evaluate financial impacts of strategic decisions.

Controls & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
• Support internal and external audit activities.
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of financial data and reporting.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA required.

Experience

• 6+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, FP& A, or manufacturing finance.
• Strong manufacturing industry experience required.
• Deep understanding of cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience supporting operational leaders in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of driving cost reduction and operational improvement initiatives.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing finance, cost accounting, and FP& A.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling capabilities.
• Experience working within ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-support skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong business partnering and stakeholder management abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy, controls, and continuous improvement.