Finance Manager

Department: Finance / Accounting / Audit Application Deadline: 1 August 2027 Department: Finance / Accounting / Audit Location: US - Wisconsin - Madison Description At Franklin Electric, Finance plays a pivotal role in accelerating business performance and strengthening organizational health. The Controller of Finance for Energy Systems is accountable for financial integrity and operational rigor across the segment- A key partner to business leaders driving providable growth, this role also leads the monthly close, ensures accurate and timely reporting, and participates in strengthening internal controls and governance. Reporting to the Director of Finance, this role blends FP&A, accounting and business to improve business, P&L and working capital outcomes. Responsibilities include providing financial leadership for strategic initiatives and proactively advising Energy Systems leaders on various business initiatives including go to market decisions, capital investments, and corrective actions to ensure long-term achievement of key strategic priorities. Additionally, as the leader of the segment close and consolidation processes, this role is an expert in the business performance and helps build the annual operating plan and performing forecast updates throughout the year. Key Responsibilities Provide decision support to commercial and operations leaders through margin/mix analysis, cost-to-serve insights, working capital analytics, and business case modeling (NPD, restructuring, cost reductions, and M&A evaluation). Participate in M&A due diligence and integration activities. Drive the annual budgeting and forecasting process for the full P&L and key balance sheet accounts. Own the monthly close for Energy Systems: drive timely, accurate results, ensure appropriate accruals/reserves, and maintain clear linkage between actuals, forecasts, and outlooks. Lead segment consolidation and reporting requirements for actuals, forecasts, AOP, LRP, and Risk/Opportunity analysis; ensure consistency of assumptions and strong variance explanations for leadership. Drive automation and standardization of reporting and close workflows by leveraging ERP and BI tools; improve data quality, reduce manual effort, and shorten cycle times. Governance, Controls & Operational Excellence Strengthen internal controls, close discipline, and balance sheet governance; ensure processes are documented and audit ready. Increase self-service capabilities and streamline close/reporting to reduce manual work, improve controllership visibility, and accelerate decision-making. Create concise, executive-ready insights on results, drivers, and risks; clearly communicate accounting impacts, estimates, and assumptions. Effectively collaborate with multinational teams in a matrixed, functionally diverse environment. Enterprise Transformation & Strategic Projects Key Performance Indicators Deliver a timely and accurate monthly close with clear variance analysis and actionable executive commentary. Maintain strong internal controls and audit readiness; proactively identify and remediate control or process gaps. Ensure reporting integrity across P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow; improve transparency into reserves, estimates, and key accounting judgments. Drive measurable improvements in working capital and close/reporting efficiency through standardization, automation, and effective business partnership. Skills Knowledge and Expertise Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field required, master's preferred. 5+ years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, or a related field (required). Proficiency with accounting and business systems, including advanced skills in JDE (preferred), data entry, spreadsheets, and word processing; intermediate capability with presentation tools such as PowerPoint, and Microsoft Business Intelligence. Proven ability to influence senior executives and translate insights into business decisions. #J-18808-Ljbffr