Join Us as a Senior Specialist - Manufacturing Finance
Finance Department - Caracal Light Ammunition (CLA), EDGE Group
Be part of Caracal's operational excellence by driving financial performance within our manufacturing environment. As a Senior Specialist in Manufacturing Finance, you will play a pivotal role in budgeting, cost control, product costing, and financial analysis-supporting data‑driven decision‑making that enhances efficiency, profitability, and strategic alignment across production operations.
Key Accountabilities
- Financial Planning & Budgeting
- Develop, manage, and monitor budgets, forecasts, and long‑term financial plans for manufacturing operations.
- Conduct cost modeling and financial projections to support strategic decision‑making.
- Align financial targets with production goals through structured planning frameworks.
- Cost Management & Product Costing
- Lead detailed analysis of manufacturing and absorption cost variances, identifying root causes and recommending actions.
- Ensure accurate product costing, capturing all direct and indirect costs to support pricing and profitability.
- Drive cost optimization initiatives and contribute to working capital efficiency.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare and present financial reports, including KPIs, variance analysis, and performance insights.
- Maintain financial data integrity in ERP systems (SAP/Oracle), ensuring accurate reporting and traceability.
- Support internal and external audits, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and corporate standards.
- Operational Collaboration
- Work closely with manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, procurement, and quality to align operational and financial objectives.
- Provide actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve resource utilization.
- Partner with cross‑functional teams to support production planning and inventory control.
- Process Improvement & Controls
- Implement and enhance internal controls to safeguard financial assets and processes.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across finance and manufacturing workflows.
- Support digital transformation initiatives related to financial systems and reporting.
- Leadership & Support
- Mentor junior finance team members to support capability building.
- Act as a financial advisor to operational leaders, ensuring decisions are aligned with financial targets.
Requirements
General Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Excellent planning, organization, and time‑management abilities
- Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to operational priorities
Specific Job Competencies
- Expertise in cost accounting and manufacturing finance
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP/Oracle) and financial modeling tools
- Strong knowledge of inventory management, absorption costing, and variance analysis
- Understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain flows, and production economics
- Advanced skills in financial reporting, forecasting, and budgeting
Experience & Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (Master's preferred)
- Professional certifications such as CPA or CMA are highly desirable
Experience
- 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, or FP&A roles
- Proven background in budgeting, cost analysis, and financial planning within a production environment
- Hands‑on experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) is essential
- Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows, bill of materials (BOM), and supply chain finance
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams