Plant Finance Manager

CFS; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Manufacturing Client in Minnesota is seeking a Plant Finance Manager to provide strategic financial oversight for a dynamic manufacturing operation. You will manage plant accounting, analyze performance, oversee inventory and cost management, and partner with leadership to improve profitability and efficiency.

The role requires strong experience in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, ERP systems, and leadership of accounting staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of accounting or finance experience, including manufacturing exposure.
• Experience with plant accounting, inventory management, and financial planning.
• Strong cost accounting and internal controls knowledge.
• Experience using ERP systems and advanced financial reporting tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis applications.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary financial resource for plant leadership, providing insight into operational and financial performance.
• Develop reporting tools and dashboards that track production costs, labor efficiency, and overall plant profitability.
• Analyze manufacturing trends and identify opportunities to improve margins and reduce waste.
• Oversee standard costing methodologies and ensure accurate product costing within ERP systems.
• Coordinate annual operating plans, forecasts, and long-range financial projections for the facility.
• Track budget performance and provide actionable recommendations when results deviate from expectations.
• Support pricing analysis, capital expenditure planning, and investment justification projects.
• Perform financial modeling to evaluate process improvements and organizational initiatives.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation to support audits and compliance reviews.
• Lead efforts to strengthen internal controls and improve accounting processes.

Skills

Financial analysis

Cost accounting

ERP systems

Excel & data analysis

Leadership & cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/BA

Tools

ERP systems

Advanced financial reporting tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Company: Manufacturing Client

Location: Eagan, MN 55121

Position: Plant Finance Manager

Work Model: Hybrid with up to 2 days work from home

Hours: Full-Time

Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000/year

About The Company

Our client is a well-established manufacturer dedicated to delivering high-quality products through efficient operations, continuous improvement, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. The organization fosters a collaborative culture where finance and operations work together to drive business results and support sustainable growth.

Position Summary

The Plant Finance Manager is a key member of the site leadership team and provides strategic financial oversight for a dynamic manufacturing operation. This position is responsible for managing plant accounting functions, analyzing operational performance, overseeing inventory and cost management, and partnering with leadership to improve profitability, efficiency, and financial performance across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Finance Management

• Serve as the primary financial resource for plant leadership, providing insight into operational and financial performance.
• Develop reporting tools and dashboards that track production costs, labor efficiency, and overall plant profitability.
• Analyze manufacturing trends and identify opportunities to improve margins and reduce waste.
• Present financial insights and recommendations to both plant and corporate stakeholders.

Cost & Inventory Management

• Oversee standard costing methodologies and ensure accurate product costing within ERP systems.
• Review and explain variances related to production, labor utilization, material consumption, and overhead spending.
• Manage inventory accounting, reconciliations, cycle count programs, and annual physical inventory activities.
• Partner with supply chain and operations teams to strengthen inventory accuracy and working capital performance.

Planning & Business Performance

• Coordinate annual operating plans, forecasts, and long-range financial projections for the facility.
• Track budget performance and provide actionable recommendations when results deviate from expectations.
• Support pricing analysis, capital expenditure planning, and investment justification projects.
• Perform financial modeling to evaluate process improvements and organizational initiatives.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to corporate financial policies, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation to support audits and compliance reviews.
• Lead efforts to strengthen internal controls and improve accounting processes.
• Assist with external audits, tax-related requests, and corporate reporting requirements.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Build strong relationships with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, and distribution teams.
• Coach and develop accounting staff while promoting best practices and accountability.
• Participate in plant leadership meetings and contribute to overall business strategy.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that support operational excellence and long-term growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of accounting or finance experience, including significant exposure to manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated experience with plant accounting, inventory management, and financial planning.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles, financial controls, and operational metrics.
• Experience utilizing ERP systems and advanced financial reporting tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data analysis applications.

Desired Skills & Competencies

• CPA, CMA, MBA, or comparable professional credentials are preferred.
• Ability to translate financial information into business-focused recommendations.
• Strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Results-oriented mindset with strong attention to detail and process improvement.
• Experience supporting lean manufacturing or operational excellence initiatives is highly desirable.

Why This Opportunity?

• Join a financially stable organization with a strong manufacturing presence in the Twin Cities market.
• Take on a highly visible leadership role with direct impact on operational and financial performance.
• Partner closely with executive leadership on strategic planning and growth initiatives.
• Enjoy opportunities for career advancement within a collaborative and performance-driven culture.
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the ability to influence meaningful business outcomes.