Financial Analyst III - Operations Finance

Financial Analyst Operations

The Financial Analyst Operations is embedded within the Global Manufacturing Organization responsible for supporting financial planning, reporting, analysis, and decision support across multiple manufacturing plants. This role serves as a key liaison between Operations and Finance Operations, transforming complex operational and financial data into actionable insights that drive profitability, productivity, and strategic decision-making. The position reports to the Director Finance Operations, owns the consolidation of operations financial results across global manufacturing business segments, supports forecasting and budgeting processes, develops management reporting, and delivers ad hoc analysis to senior leadership. The Financial Analyst Operations provides financial transparency into manufacturing performance, working capital, inventory, labor efficiency, and cost drivers while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Primary Duties

• Partner with manufacturing leadership and functional teams to support operational and financial performance across global manufacturing business segments.
• Consolidate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and operational results across multiple manufacturing locations.
• Develop and maintain reporting packages, dashboards, KPIs, and management presentations for Operations leadership and senior management.
• Lead quarterly forecasting processes and support the annual operating plan and strategic planning cycles.
• Analyze financial and operational results, identifying trends, risks, opportunities, and key business drivers.
• Perform detailed variance analysis on margin, labor, material costs, overhead spending, inventory, and productivity metrics.
• Prepare financial bridge analyses and executive-level financial summaries that clearly communicate business performance.
• Collaborate with plant finance teams and operational leaders to improve data accuracy, reporting consistency, and forecast reliability.
• Assist in the development and implementation of standardized financial reporting and performance measurement processes across manufacturing operations.
• Generate ad hoc analyses and reports in support of business initiatives, management requests, and operational decision-making.
• Support month-end close activities through validation, analysis, and reporting of manufacturing financial results.
• Coordinate information requests from Corporate Finance and facilitate communication between Operations and Finance teams. Assist in identifying and implementing process improvements, automation opportunities, and reporting efficiencies.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, cost reduction, and financial performance enhancement. Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Financial Planning & Analysis, Operations Finance, Manufacturing Finance, or Cost Accounting.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or operational business functions preferred.
• Experience with financial consolidations, forecasting, budgeting, and executive reporting.
• Experience working with ERP (SAP) systems and large datasets.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CMA, or CFA are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of financial planning and analysis, manufacturing finance, and cost accounting principles.
• Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and financial modeling techniques.
• Ability to consolidate and analyze large volumes of financial and operational data from multiple business segments.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect operational drivers to financial outcomes.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modeling, pivot tables, and data analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems and business intelligence tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-support capabilities.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build partnerships across Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Finance organizations.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and process optimization.

Essential Mental and Physical Functions:

• Frequent use of computer systems for financial analysis, modeling, and reporting.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while preparing reports and analyzing data.
• Occasional walking and standing in plant production areas during operational reviews.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.

Work Environment:

• Work performed in a climate-controlled office environment with frequent engagement on the plant floor.
• Exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations during plant walkthroughs or data validation activities.
• Compliance with all applicable safety protocols when entering production areas.

Disclaimer:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

Acknowledgement:

I have read this job description (or had it read to me) and I fully understand all my job duties and responsibilities. I am able to perform the duties and responsibilities as outlined, with or without reasonable accommodation. I understand that my job duties and responsibilities may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of my location or department and if so I will be required to perform such additional duties and responsibilities. If I have any questions about job duties not specified on this description that I am asked to perform, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the Human Resources staff.