Manufacturing Finance Cost Lead

Overview Manufacturing Finance Cost Leader is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced manufacturing finance professional ready to take ownership of the cost accounting function within a growing, PE‑backed organization. The company is scaling rapidly and offers a meaningful seat at the table, with direct influence over financial operations, systems, and plant-level decision making. The complexity and variety of the work present a genuine opportunity for professional growth, and the company’s trajectory supports long-term career advancement. In addition to a competitive compensation package, the role includes an equity component, reflecting the organization’s commitment to rewarding those who help drive its success. Responsibilities Lead and manage all aspects of inventory and product costing across the manufacturing environment, ensuring accuracy and alignment with operational activity Conduct detailed variance analysis tied to production output, material usage, waste, and scrap to surface actionable insights for plant and finance leadership Maintain and analyze bill of materials data to support precise cost modeling, planning, and reporting Identify and implement improvements to financial processes and systems within the plant environment, driving efficiency and scalability Collaborate closely with operations and plant management teams to align financial reporting with production realities Deliver clear, concise financial analysis and reporting to senior leadership to support strategic and operational decisions Provide leadership and day-to-day direction to one direct report, supporting their development and ensuring continuity of the cost accounting function Travel to plant locations throughout the region approximately 30% of the time to support operations and build cross‑functional relationships Requirements 7 or more years of progressive experience in cost accounting, plant finance, or manufacturing finance roles Deep working knowledge of inventory costing methodologies, variance analysis, and production cost structures in a manufacturing environment Hands‑on experience with bill of materials management, scrap and waste analysis, and plant‑level financial reporting Demonstrated track record of evaluating and improving financial systems and processes in a manufacturing or industrial setting Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex cost data into clear business insights Proven ability to operate effectively within or alongside plant operations teams and senior leadership Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline; CPA or CMA designation preferred #J-18808-Ljbffr Connexa Search Group