Finance Manager - Operations

Old World Industries • Northbrook, IL

1d

About The Position

The Finance Manager - Operations reports to the Director of Operations Finance and partners with Operations and Procurement to provide financial analytics and recommendations that support sound financial decisions. The role supports financial planning and analysis across Supply Chain, Manufacturing/Operations, and Procurement, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, cost optimization, margin management, and working capital and risk management goals.

The position analyzes production, material, freight, and transportation costs; develops cost-saving strategies and reporting; supports inventory valuation and controls; and prepares financial information and reviews for management. It also provides analysis and recommendations to Finance and Operations Leadership, supports Procurement accounting guidance and internal controls, and takes on ad hoc projects as needed. Travel within the region is expected.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of financial analysis experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with internal customers and peers.
• Proven track record of driving process improvement, cost optimization, and inventory management in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with budgets and forecasts in several areas and understanding of the key drivers of those areas.
• Ability to use analytics, benchmarking, and insights to generate meaningful strategies and solutions.
• Knowledge of financial regulations, compliance, and risk management related to manufacturing, inventory, expenses, and freight.
• Experience improving and maintaining internal controls.
• Ability to recommend efficiencies involving systems and tools.
• Experience working across multiple departments to complete projects or resolve organizational challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel within the region.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting Supply Chain or Operations teams.
• CPA or MBA.
• SAP experience.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, and Procurement teams to achieve cost savings, working capital, and risk management goals.
• Develop and implement financial planning and analysis processes for Supply Chain, Manufacturing/Operations, and Procurement, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Drive cost optimization by analyzing production costs, developing the annual operating plan, reviewing inflation and deflation costs, establishing internal controls, integrating margin management, and identifying productivity opportunities.
• Analyze freight and transportation expenses and develop strategies to minimize freight cost per unit.
• Create financial models and reporting that improve interpretation of financial statements, and provide analysis and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Prepare Supply Chain and Manufacturing financial inputs for monthly business review packages, including results, analysis, and information supporting control and accountability.
• Build knowledge of material purchasing patterns, market trends, and manufacturing costs to improve financial results.
• Work with procurement buyers to build material forecasts and provide relevant analysis to Finance and Operations Leadership.
• Analyze material price variances against plan, forecast, and prior year; summarize variances and discuss action plans with Finance and Operations Leadership.
• Oversee inventory valuation and control processes, implement strategies to minimize inventory holding costs while ensuring adequate supply, and establish inventory tracking and management policies.
• Conduct physical inventory audits at OWI and third-party locations throughout the year.
• Manage cost-savings processes and reporting, including monthly reviews to identify plan gaps and action plans with Finance and Operations Leadership.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly operations reviews covering cost-saving opportunities, projected material variances, and inventory positions.
• Support and evaluate accounting guidance, internal controls, financial plans, and policies for Procurement.
• Support the Director of Operations Finance with ad hoc projects as required.
• Travel within the region.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness benefits.
• Company-matching 401(k) plan.
• Company-paid life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
• Company-paid identity theft insurance.
• Company-paid disability coverage.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Company-paid employee assistance program.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• Voluntary life insurance.
• Legal benefits.
• Critical illness insurance.
• Accident insurance.
• Hospital indemnity insurance.
• Pet insurance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level