Finance and Accounting Manager

Children's Factory • Union, MO

1d

About The Position

Children's Factory is seeking a hands-on Manager, Finance and Accounting to lead financial analysis and day-to-day accounting execution. The role interprets financial performance, explains variances, identifies trends and risks or opportunities, and provides recommendations and business insight to leadership. It works closely with production, supply chain, operations, and leadership to understand performance, improve financial processes and data accuracy, and provide timely, reliable information for decision-making.

The manager leads budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, cost accounting, and financial reporting, while also participating directly in close activities and other accounting work as needed. Responsibilities include overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities; strengthening internal controls and processes; supporting compliance, tax filings, and external audits; and coaching and developing team members. The role requires accuracy, confidentiality, follow-through, and the ability to meet recurring reporting and close deadlines.

Children's Factory is a manufacturer and distributor of products for child development centers, preschools, and elementary education. The company describes its work as supporting children's imagination, confidence, and lifelong learning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting.
• At least 3 years of managerial or leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial compliance requirements.
• Experience with manufacturing accounting principles.
• Hands-on experience with month-end and year-end close, reconciliations, journal entries, financial statements, and general ledger accounting.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and financial analysis.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to identify trends, explain variances, and turn financial data into useful business insight.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, lookups, data analysis, and financial modeling.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet tight reporting and close deadlines.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with operational and leadership teams.
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes, strengthen controls, and increase accuracy or efficiency.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and developing accounting team members while maintaining accountability for results.

Nice To Haves

• CPA or CMA certification.
• Broader experience with cost accounting, inventory management, and standard costing in a manufacturing or distribution environment.

Responsibilities

• Own the preparation, review, and analysis of accurate and timely financial information.
• Interpret financial results, identify trends and variances, and translate findings into actionable insights for leadership.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and ongoing financial analysis.
• Partner with production, supply chain, operations, and leadership to understand business performance and support informed decision-making.
• Establish, maintain, and analyze standard costs, including material, labor, overhead, and inventory costs.
• Support cost accounting and inventory-related financial analysis within a manufacturing environment.
• Lead and participate in month-end and year-end close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, adjustments, and financial statement preparation.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities, providing direct support when workload or complexity requires it.
• Develop and maintain financial models, reports, and analysis using advanced Excel capabilities.
• Prepare ad hoc financial analyses and reports for leadership and department managers.
• Improve accounting processes, streamline workflows, strengthen internal controls, and identify opportunities to improve data accuracy and efficiency.
• Support financial compliance requirements, tax filings, and external audits.
• Prepare audit documentation and help implement audit recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and financial process improvements.
• Coach and develop finance and accounting team members.
• Set clear performance expectations, hold the team accountable for deliverables, and provide hands-on support during workload surges or complex accounting issues.
• Maintain accuracy, follow-through, confidentiality, and professionalism while meeting recurring reporting and close deadlines.

Benefits

• 12 paid holidays, including Christmas Eve and the Day After Thanksgiving.
• Generous PTO accrual.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid volunteer time off.
• Generous 401(k) company match.
• Educational assistance and tuition reimbursement.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting the first of the month following the date of hire.
• Professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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