Finance Manager

Ad Populum; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ad Populum is seeking an FP&A professional in Itasca, IL to lead budgeting, forecasting and ongoing analysis of distribution center expenses, freight and other supply chain costs. You will prepare monthly reporting, highlight risks and opportunities, and drive cost-saving initiatives.

The role requires strong financial modeling, advanced Excel/PowerPoint, and the ability to translate data into actionable insights across Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics and Accounting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or related field.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to translate operational and financial data into clear business insights and recommendations.
• Detail-oriented, hands-on and comfortable partnering across multiple businesses and functions.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; experience with ERP, planning and reporting platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and ongoing analysis of distribution center expenses, freight and other supply chain costs for assigned businesses.
• Prepare monthly reporting and variance analysis for distribution center and logistics costs, highlighting key trends, risks, opportunities and savings initiatives.
• Analyze inbound and outbound freight expenses to identify cost trends, operational inefficiencies and opportunities to improve transportation economics.
• Evaluate standard costs, purchase price variances (PPV), material cost changes, freight, duties and other landed-cost components affecting inventory valuation and gross margin.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics and Accounting to improve cost visibility, forecasting accuracy and financial performance.
• Support monthly financial and operating reviews, including analysis of distribution center productivity, cost drivers and performance against plan.
• Develop financial models and business cases to evaluate distribution, logistics, capital investments and other operational initiatives.
• Support cash flow and working-capital analysis related to inventory, freight and distribution activities.
• Partner with Accounting to support accurate accruals, expense classification and alignment between actual results and forecasts.
• Support the Director of FP&A with ad-hoc analysis, reporting and other finance initiatives as required.

Skills

Financial modeling

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Excel

PowerPoint

ERP experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Planning software

Reporting tools

Job description

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead budgeting, forecasting and ongoing analysis of distribution center expenses, freight and other supply chain costs for assigned businesses.
• Prepare monthly reporting and variance analysis for distribution center and logistics costs, highlighting key trends, risks, opportunities and savings initiatives.
• Analyze inbound and outbound freight expenses to identify cost trends, operational inefficiencies and opportunities to improve transportation economics.
• Evaluate standard costs, purchase price variances (PPV), material cost changes, freight, duties and other landed-cost components affecting inventory valuation and gross margin.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics and Accounting to improve cost visibility, forecasting accuracy and financial performance.
• Support monthly financial and operating reviews, including analysis of distribution center productivity, cost drivers and performance against plan.
• Develop financial models and business cases to evaluate distribution, logistics, capital investments and other operational initiatives.
• Support cash flow and working-capital analysis related to inventory, freight and distribution activities.
• Partner with Accounting to support accurate accruals, expense classification and alignment between actual results and forecasts.
• Support the Director of FP&A with ad-hoc analysis, reporting and other finance initiatives as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business or related field.
• Minimum four (4) years of relevant FP&A, finance or related experience.
• Experience supporting distribution, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing or other operational finance functions preferred.
• Strong financial modeling, analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to translate operational and financial data into clear business insights and recommendations.
• Detail-oriented, hands‑on and comfortable partnering across multiple businesses and functions.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; experience with ERP, planning and reporting platforms preferred.

ABOUT AD POPULUM

Ad Populum aligns corporate strategy and fosters growth across its unique portfolio of subsidiary companies. Its brands include NECA, Joseph Enterprises, Rubies, Enesco, Kidrobot, WizKids, ExKaliber, Graceland, Smiffys, Party City and Radical Share, spanning pop culture collectibles, costumes, celebrations, gifts and home décor, tabletop gaming, e-commerce, entertainment and marketing.