Manufacturing Finance Manager

Director of FinanceLocation: WisconsinPosition SummaryThe Director of Finance leads financial planning and analysis (FP&A), supports strong financial controls and reporting, and provides operational oversight across key internal functions. This role serves as a strategic finance partner to leadership while also acting as a hands-on leader capable of stepping in as backup to the Controller if needed. The position serves as a bridge between finance and manufacturing operations to ensure both disciplines work together and understand the financial implications relating to manufacturing. The position also oversees key administrative operations including HR administration and IT vendor coordination.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership (FP&A / Business Partnering)Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling for the businessProvide monthly management reporting, KPI dashboards, and variance analysisDrive actionable insights on profitability, margins, pricing, labor, and overheadSupport capital planning, ROI analysis, and cost improvement initiativesPartner with operations on throughput, scrap, efficiency, and plant performance metricsManufacturing Finance / Cost AccountingStrong understanding of standard costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing variancesAnalyze material, labor, and overhead variances and support corrective actionsSupport accurate inventory, product costing and margin reportingAssist with inventory controls, cycle counts, and reconciliation supportManage Fixed Assets and CAPEX analysis and reportingController BackupProvide support for month-end close if neededEnsure financial statements are accurate and aligned with internal controlsServe as backup to the Controller, including the ability to lead close and reporting if requiredImprove processes across AP/AR, cash flow, purchasing controls, and documentationSupport audit, tax, and external reporting needs (as applicable)People LeadershipProvide leadership to finance/accounting staff (directly or indirectly)Establish accountability, deadlines, and performance expectationsMentor staff and elevate team capability through training and structureHR Administration Oversight (not a "Head of HR")Oversee HR administration processes. Backup for payroll processing Partner with leadership on compensation planning and headcount budgetingCoordinate benefits administration and support Controller with payroll process oversight (with external provider) and responsible for additional audits (eg 401K) as needed.Support compliance processes (handbook, policies, required postings/training coordination)IT Administration Oversight (vendor management + business systems)Oversee and support internal IT manager with vendors (MS365, ERP, cybersecurity, helpdesk)Support ERP reporting improvements and data accuracy initiativesHelp ensure cybersecurity best practices are followed (in partnership with vendors)Qualifications5+ years in finance, FP&A, and/or accounting leadership rolesExperience in manufacturing strongly preferredStrong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory, and operational metricsDemonstrated ability to lead teams and improve processesComfortable working hands-on in a growing organizationERP and advanced Excel skills required PreferredCPA, CMA, or MBA (preferred, not required)Experience partnering with operations leadership in a plant environmentSuccess in This Role Looks LikeForecasts and KPIs are trusted and used in decision-makingClose and reporting are stable, timely, and accurateMargins and variances are clearly explained and improved over timeFinance team performance improves through leadership and structureHR and IT administration run smoothly with strong vendor coordinationThe company is protected with a capable Controller backup plan

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