Operational Finance Manager

Job Title: Operational Finance Manager
Job Description
The Operational Finance Manager oversees all financial forecasting and planning activities within the operations function for a leading life sciences organization. This role supports the division's financial reporting process, leads local finance initiatives related to operations, and conducts economic analyses to provide clear, actionable financial insights to both local and global leadership. The position offers the opportunity to lead core finance operations, shape site-level strategy, and partner closely with executive leadership and key decision-makers across the business.
Responsibilities

• Develop and distribute budget guidelines and submission templates for functional leaders to ensure consistent and accurate planning across the site.
• Establish and communicate clear timelines for budget data submissions and related presentations, driving accountability and timely completion.
• Review initial budget submissions for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with strategic and financial objectives.
• Prepare and present the annual operating budget for the site, explaining key assumptions, risks, and opportunities to leadership.
• Collaborate with regional finance teams and other functional partners to resolve planning and forecasting issues and ensure alignment across regions.
• Review and analyze monthly forecast submissions, comparing them to actual results, plans, and prior forecasts, and highlight key variances and drivers.
• Provide consolidated monthly forecast updates and commentary to site management to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare and present financial projections as needed to support business cases, investments, and strategic initiatives.
• Assist in creating financial reports to meet internal and external reporting requirements in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Compile monthly reporting packages and provide clear, insightful commentary on site performance and key financial trends.
• Oversee the collection, processing, consolidation, and reporting of financial results for the operations function.
• Stay current with changes in reporting standards and accounting practices and ensure that reporting processes remain compliant and effective.
• Develop and monitor the financial aspects of the site's strategic plan, supporting long-term growth and profitability.
• Communicate monthly financial results to management, recommend improvements when necessary, and support the implementation of corrective actions.
• Organize and prioritize tasks for the finance team, ensuring high-quality output, efficient workflows, and adherence to deadlines.
• Evaluate and propose cost reduction opportunities for the site, partnering with operations and other functions to drive savings.
• Prepare materials and coordinate meetings with cost committees, ensuring that financial insights are clearly communicated and understood.
• Participate in and promote financial initiatives within cost committees, contributing to continuous improvement in cost management.
• Conduct cost variance analyses at the site level, identifying root causes and recommending corrective or preventive actions.
• Track and report on the progress of savings initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability for cost improvement projects.
• Support management by ensuring compliance and accuracy in regular financial reporting and internal controls.
• Develop and report on key financial metrics and assist in the assessment of business performance against targets and strategic goals.
• Supervise the calculation and analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Lead the development, enhancement, and maintenance of financial reporting systems and processes, leveraging ERP and analytical tools.
• Undertake special financial projects and analyses as assigned, providing data-driven recommendations and insights.
• Manage and develop a team of accounting and finance professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and effective delegation of assignments.
• Present financial results, projections, and analyses to senior management and executive stakeholders in a concise and professional manner.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Cost Accounting.
• At least 3 years of experience in cost accounting and standard costing within a manufacturing plant environment.
• Approximately 6-8 years of overall accounting and finance experience.
• Proven experience managing and developing a team of accounting or finance professionals.
• Strong cost accounting skills, including standard costs and manufacturing cost structures.
• Robust FP&A skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Strong inventory accounting experience under the standard cost method.
• Hands-on experience with financial reporting, general ledger, balance sheet, and financial statements.
• Proficiency in cost analysis, variance analysis, and cash flow analysis, including discounted cash flow, ROI, and payback calculations.
• Experience with operational finance in a manufacturing environment, including standard costs and inventory management.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and current accounting and reporting standards.
• Proficiency with fully integrated ERP systems, with experience in SAP and Oracle or Oracle Cloud strongly valued.
• Advanced Excel skills, including the use of pivot tables, and strong capability with standard desktop software such as PowerPoint and databases.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to organize, prioritize, delegate, and ensure high-quality team output.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to report information effectively to different stakeholders and hierarchy levels.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to identify significant issues, take ownership, and drive them to resolution.
• Ability to make concise, effective, and professional presentations to senior and executive management.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, and/or MBA preferred.
• Experience in a corporate or global organization with exposure to foreign exchange, inter-company mark-ups, inter-company charges and allocations, and tax considerations.
• Broad understanding of accounting across multiple areas, including cost accounting, distribution, sales and marketing, and R&D.
• Experience with fixed asset accounting, accruals, reconciliations, and audit support.
• Background in process improvement and continuous enhancement of financial systems and reporting processes.
• Strong strategic thinking, results orientation, and change management capabilities.
• Ability to develop and report on key financial metrics and KPIs to support performance management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders, including global finance teams, senior management outside of finance, and executive leadership.

Work Environment
This role is based at the corporate headquarters of a market-leading life sciences organization in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The position follows an onsite schedule Monday through Friday, with four days per week in the office and one remote workday per week. Start times are flexible between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, with an eight-hour workday. You will work in a collaborative, tight-knit finance team that values shared success, cross-functional partnership, and direct interaction with executive leadership and key decision-makers. The environment is fast-paced and operationally focused, leveraging fully integrated ERP systems such as SAP and Oracle Cloud, advanced Excel tools, and standard desktop software. The organization offers comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, generous paid time off, and a strong commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace as an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sponsorship for work visas is not available for this position.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $125000.00/yr.
Extensive benefits including insurance (health/vision/dental), retirement/401k plan, hybrid work schedule, and room to grow within a global organization.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Palm Beach Gardens,FL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.