Finance Manager

Drake International - Australia; City of Wodonga; On-site; AUD 131,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Drake International - Australia is seeking an experienced manufacturing finance leader to manage financial operations for packaging manufacturing. You will partner with Operations, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to drive profitability, optimise working capital and support business growth.

The role requires 8+ years in finance with 3+ years in manufacturing leadership, CA/CPA, and strong cost accounting, budgeting and CAPEX skills, with proficiency in SAP/Oracle/Dynamics and Power BI.

Qualifications

• CA or CPA designation required.
• 8+ years in finance with 3+ years in manufacturing leadership.
• Expertise in manufacturing cost accounting, standard costing and inventory management.
• Proven budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, modelling and CAPEX evaluation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, profitability and working capital.
• Advanced ERP systems experience (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics) and Excel/Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing finance and cost control, including standard costing and variance reporting.
• Drive cost reduction by monitoring material, labour, overhead and conversion costs.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and monthly management reporting.
• Provide financial analysis to support pricing, procurement savings and strategic decisions.
• Oversee inventory, stock accuracy and working capital management.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Forecasting

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

CAPEX evaluation

Stakeholder management

Education

CA/CPA designation

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Dynamics

Excel

Power BI

Job description

$145K + SUPER
PERMANENT ROLE | WODONGA
CA OR CPA; 8-12 YEARS FINANCE EXPERIENCE AND 3 YEARS MANUFACTURING FINANCE LEADERSHIP ROLE

ROLE

Our client delivers innovative and sustainable BOPP and CPP film packaging solutions. Reporting to the GM - Unit Head and Regional Finance Manager - APME, this role is responsible for leading the financial management of manufacturing operations, providing strategic financial support to plant management, ensuring robust financial controls, reporting accuracy, cost management and compliance. The role partners with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement and Commercial teams to drive profitability, improve operational efficiency, optimise working capital and support business growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILTIES

• Lead manufacturing finance and cost control, including standard costing, inventory accounting, cost analysis and production variance reporting.
• Monitor and improve material, labour, overhead and conversion costs, driving cost reduction and productivity initiatives.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning, providing accurate and insightful monthly management reporting.
• Provide financial analysis and modelling to support pricing, customer profitability, procurement savings and strategic business decisions.
• Oversee inventory and working capital management, including stock accuracy, provisions, inventory turns and cash-flow improvement.
• Evaluate and monitor CAPEX and investment projects, including ROI, payback and business case analysis.
• Maintain strong financial controls and compliance, including month-end close, audits, statutory reporting and Australian accounting and taxation requirements.
• Lead and develop the finance team, while driving process improvement, automation and ERP/system enhancements.
• Drive a high-performance, continuous improvement culture, with accountability for EBITDA, gross margin, cost savings, forecast accuracy and financial reporting outcomes.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors' Degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business or related discipline, with CA or CPA.
• Experience in FMCG, packaging, industrial manufacturing, chemicals, plastics or related industries, together with a continuous improvement mindset, is highly desirable.
• 8+ years' finance experience, including at least 3 years in a manufacturing finance leadership role.
• Expertise in manufacturing cost accounting, standard costing, inventory management and cost control.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, modelling and CAPEX evaluation.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, profitability, working capital and commercial business partnering.
• Advanced ERP and financial systems experience (e.g. SAP, Oracle, Dynamics), with advanced Excel and Power BI skills desirable.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder management capability, with the ability to influence operational and commercial decision-making.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At Drake, we are committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity. While our journey is ongoing, our shared goal is to create an environment where every individual is respected and valued. We are a community that recognises the strength of diversity.

Right to Work

The above position is open only to applicants who have a current right to work in Australia. Applicants who do not have a current right to work In Australia will unfortunately not be considered and are respectfully asked not to apply.