Plant Financial Manager: Cost & Operations Optimizer

Ashley Global Retail; Advance (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Career growth opportunities

Hands-on manufacturing role

Job summary

Ashley Furniture is seeking a Plant Financial Manager to act as a strategic financial partner on the manufacturing floor, blending cost accounting with operations analysis. You will drive financial performance through data-driven insights, collaborating with facility leadership to protect assets and improve processes.

This role combines hands-on analysis with budgeting, vendor management, and team leadership of 2–3 direct reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
• 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Travel opportunities available.
• Flexible schedule with willingness to work extended hours when necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective and accurate financial analysis tools to operations management
• Identify and implement process improvement projects and cost reduction initiatives
• Collaborate with operations to analyze, determine, and implement process changes to meet or exceed budgeted goals
• Partner with management to develop process improvement objectives including Vision Tracker and X to Y projects
• Serve as the company's financial representative for assigned facility
• Maintain bill of materials, labor routings, and IFM account classifications for accuracy
• Utilize tools such as Miscellaneous Inventory Transactions, labor variance tracking, and budget vs. actual reporting
• Review inventory balances and ensure perpetual inventories align with financial reporting systems
• Perform standard cost accounting functions for asset protection and accurate financial reporting
• Understand and assist with incentive pay and local finance-related questions
• Participate in budget development process
• Conduct regular follow-up with management on budget performance
• Provide detailed variance analysis and actionable recommendations
• Meet with utility companies and local vendors to review contractual situations
• Negotiate best possible rates and terms
• Identify and submit Authorization For Expenditure (AFE) for new equipment, machinery, make vs. buy decisions, and temporary vs permanent labor
• Lead and develop team of 2-3 direct reports
• Make employment decisions including hiring, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, and pay adjustments
• Manage employee performance through coaching, mentoring, and performance reviews
• Conduct weekly team meetings and regular individual employee meetings
• Recommend, plan, and implement employee training and skill development
• Audit regularly to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures
• Maintain accurate employee time-keeping and absentee records

Skills

Financial analysis

Strategic partnership

Cost accounting

Budgeting

Process improvement

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent work experience)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Budgeting software

Job description

Ashley Furniture is seeking a Plant Financial Manager to act as a strategic financial partner on the manufacturing floor, blending cost accounting with operations analysis. You will drive financial performance through data-driven insights, collaborating with facility leadership to protect assets and improve processes.

This role combines hands-on analysis with budgeting, vendor management, and team leadership of 2–3 direct reports.