Finance Manager

Storm Search; Independence (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Storm Search is seeking a Finance Manager for our manufacturing facility to oversee financial planning, forecasting, cost accounting and plant performance. You will partner with plant leadership to drive profitability and provide clear financial visibility.

This role leads cost variance analysis, standard cost updates, budgeting, and capital evaluation, while supporting continuous improvement and Lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• 5-7+ years in manufacturing cost accounting/finance.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing costs, standard costing, inventory, budgeting and forecasting.
• Ability to partner with plant leadership to drive results.
• Experience in Lean/manufacturing continuous improvement preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills for analysis and reporting.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP.
• MBA or Master’s in Finance strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the plant accounting system and ensure timely, accurate financial and cost reporting.
• Lead cost variance analysis and partner with plant leadership on cost control initiatives.
• Lead annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting per corporate guidelines.
• Oversee annual update of standard costs.
• Ensure inventory balances comply with U.S. GAAP and company policy.
• Review bills of materials for accuracy against production.
• Evaluate capital investment projects for financial accuracy and ROI.
• Partner with Plant Manager to align financial performance with operations.
• Improve financial visibility and provide analyses for strategic decisions.
• Support quality, environmental, financial systems, and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste and boost efficiency.
• Promote accountability and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Prepare financial reports, analyses, and presentations as needed.
• Lead, coach, and develop one Cost Accountant.

Skills

Financial analysis

Cost accounting

Forecasting

Leadership

Lean principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

MBA or Master’s in Finance

Tools

Excel

Oracle

SAP

Job description

Position Summary:

A leading manufacturing organization is seeking a Finance Manager to oversee financial planning, forecasting, cost accounting, and plant financial performance. This role will partner closely with plant leadership to improve profitability, increase financial visibility, drive cost-reduction initiatives, and support a continuous improvement culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the plant accounting system and ensure timely, accurate financial and cost reporting.
• Lead manufacturing cost variance analysis and partner with plant leadership on cost control and reduction initiatives.
• Lead annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting processes in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Oversee the annual update of standard costs.
• Ensure inventory balances are accurately stated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and company policies.
• Review bills of materials for accuracy and alignment with actual production.
• Evaluate capital investment projects, including financial accuracy and expected return.
• Partner with the Plant Manager and leadership team to align financial performance with operational goals.
• Improve financial visibility and provide analysis to support strategic plant decisions.
• Support quality, environmental, financial management systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce waste, and increase operational efficiency.
• Promote a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Prepare financial reports, analysis, and presentations as needed.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, and develop one Cost Accountant.
• Establish performance expectations and strategic goals.
• Prioritize workloads and provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback.
• Address performance gaps and missed commitments through a constructive, solutions-oriented approach.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• 5-7+ years of experience in a manufacturing cost accounting/finance environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing costs, standard costing, inventory, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with plant leadership and drive financial and operational results.
• Experience working in a continuous improvement or Lean manufacturing environment preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills for financial analysis, tracking, and reporting.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP.
• MBA or Master’s in Finance strongly preferred.

Additional Information:

• Staff-level finance leadership position supporting a manufacturing facility.
• Strong focus on cost reduction, financial visibility, operational performance, and continuous improvement.