Finance Manager

Kelvion; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelvion, a global leader in mission-critical thermal solutions, seeks a Finance Manager, Cost Optimization to partner with plant leaders and drive cost performance.

You will deliver timely budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and identify opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency.

The role requires 6–10 years in manufacturing finance, with CPA/MBA/CMA and SAP experience; a strategic mindset and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting required.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA required.
• 6–10 years of finance experience in manufacturing.
• Experience in cost accounting and FP&A.
• Experience supporting cost reduction initiatives.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in an operational setting.

Responsibilities

• Partner with plant leadership to provide financial insights and support operational decision-making.
• Translate financial results into actionable recommendations to improve cost performance and profitability.
• Prepare and analyze monthly department-level P&Ls (Budget, Actuals, Forecast).
• Support development of annual budgets and rolling forecasts.
• Perform variance analysis and identify key cost drivers.
• Track and report savings initiatives and performance against targets.
• Present financial results to plant leadership and finance management.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and audit requirements.

Skills

Advanced analytics

Excel

Financial modeling

Data synthesis

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

CPA/MBA/CMA

Tools

SAP

Job description

Our mission is to lead the industrial transformation by championing innovation and sustainability. From optimising data centres and advancing hydrogen production to revolutionising refrigeration and HVAC systems, our mission‑critical thermal solutions empower industries around the globe. United as “One Kelvion,” our global team delivers innovative solutions that drive customer success and support a sustainable future.

Together, We Shape the Future

The Finance Manager, Cost Optimization serves as a key business partner to plant leadership (Quality, Supply Chain, Operations), supporting financial performance through cost analysis, reporting, and decision support.

This role is responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial reporting (Budget, Actuals, Forecast), identifying cost optimization opportunities, and supporting execution of cost reduction initiatives to improve profitability and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Partner with plant functional leaders to provide financial insights and support operational decision-making.


• Translate financial results into actionable recommendations to improve cost performance and profitability.

Business Partnering

• Partner with plant functional leaders to provide financial insights and support operational decision-making.


• Translate financial results into actionable recommendations to improve cost performance and profitability.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Prepare and analyze monthly department-level P‘Ls (Budget, Actuals, Forecast).


• Support development of annual budgets and rolling forecasts.


• Perform variance analysis and identify key cost drivers.

Cost Optimization

• Identify, evaluate, and support execution of cost reduction initiatives across the plant.


• Analyze material, labor, and overhead costs; recommend efficiency improvements.


• Track and report savings initiatives and performance against targets.

Performance Management

• Develop and monitor KPIs related to cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.


• Support management reporting with clear and concise financial insights.

Controls and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and audit requirements.


• Support internal and external audit activities.

Capital and Operations Support

• Assist in capital investment analysis (ROI, payback, business case development).


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on continuous improvement initiatives.

Reporting

• Prepare and present financial results and insights to plant leadership and finance management.

COMPETENCY OR POSITION REQUIREMENTS (knowledge, Skills, And Abilities)

Knowledge

• Strong foundation in FP&A, cost accounting, and manufacturing finance


• Understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis


• Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and reporting tools

Skills

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities


• Strong Excel and financial modeling skills


• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear business insights


• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills


• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority

Abilities

• Ability to operate in both a hands‑on and analytical capacity


• Strong business acumen with operational orientation


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment


• Demonstrated ability to support cost optimization and process improvements


• Detail‑oriented with strong focus on accuracy and controls

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (required Levels)

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field required


• CPA, CMA, or MBA required

Experience

• 6–10 years of progressive finance experience, preferably in manufacturing or plant environment


• Experience in cost accounting and FP&A required


• Prior experience supporting cost reduction or operational performance initiatives


• Experience working with cross‑functional teams in an operational setting

At Kelvion we thrive on collaboration, embracing diversity of thought, and valuing every voice. Within Kelvion creativity shines because people are listened to, their contributions recognised, and their ideas welcomed. Our flexible approach to the way we work places people’s health and satisfaction as a priority, enhancing engagement and fostering career opportunities. We empower engaged individuals to grow, progress and carve their own paths within the company.

Together, We Shape the Future