Position Title: Plant Finance Manager

Position Summary

The Plant Finance Manager is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and support for the company’s manufacturing facility. This role manages financial planning, analysis, and reporting processes including budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, inventory valuation, and performance analytics. The position plays a key role in supporting plant operations and supply chain teams with data-driven insights and ensures compliance with internal and external financial standards.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Lead preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements related to plant operations.

• Analyze cost components such as materials, labor, and overhead to ensure data accuracy and provide actionable insights.

• Distribute regular financial performance reports to plant leadership, identifying budget variances, cost-saving opportunities, and operational trends.

• Monitor plant capital expenditures (CAPEX), including budget tracking and forecasting.

Cost Management & Control

• Manage the plant’s cost accounting system, ensuring accurate tracking and allocation of all production costs.

• Evaluate direct and indirect costs (raw materials, labor, utilities, etc.) and implement initiatives to drive cost efficiency.

• Collaborate with operations to identify opportunities for waste reduction, process improvements, and cost savings.

• Develop and maintain plant standard costing models (labor, materials, overhead).

Inventory Management

• Oversee valuation and accuracy of raw materials, WIP (work-in-progress), and finished goods inventory.

• Ensure proper inventory reconciliation and control procedures to reduce discrepancies and avoid stockouts.

• Partner with supply chain and procurement teams to manage inventory levels and reduce aging or obsolete stock.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with plant and operations leaders to establish financial targets.

• Maintain and update rolling forecasts to reflect current operational and financial performance.

• Monitor ongoing plant results and make financial adjustments as needed to support business objectives.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to GAAP, company financial policies, and relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA).

• Support internal audits and resolve findings in a timely manner.

• Drive improvements in financial systems and internal controls related to plant operations.

Operations Partnership

• Serve as a financial advisor to plant leadership and department managers, helping translate financial results into operational actions.

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to improve plant efficiency and profitability.

• Act as a key liaison between plant operations and corporate finance teams.

Project Management

• Lead or contribute to financial initiatives such as ERP implementations, new product costing, or capital investment analyses.

• Drive continuous improvement in plant financial processes and reporting systems.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned to support financial or operational objectives.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

• CPA or CMA certification preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in finance or accounting, specifically within a manufacturing environment (food manufacturing preferred).

• Proven experience in cost accounting, financial planning, and operational finance.

• Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.

• Knowledge of activity-based costing or similar methodologies is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills.

• In-depth understanding of inventory and cost accounting principles.

• Ability to present complex financial data in a clear, actionable manner to non-financial stakeholders.

• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to timely reporting.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform under pressure.

• High level of integrity and accountability.