Program Finance Lead

GKN Aerospace; Wellington (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

GKN Aerospace is looking for a Program Finance Lead in Wellington, KS to support a new program transitioning into production. This role includes overseeing product costing, variance analysis, forecasting, and operational finance support. Key responsibilities involve collaborating with Operations and Engineering to ensure accurate costs and financial controls. Ideal candidates should possess 6-10+ years in finance/accounting with strong cost accounting skills and be comfortable communicating across functions. GKN emphasizes sustainability and innovation in its mission.

Qualifications

• 6–10+ years in Finance/Accounting with manufacturing or operations finance focus.
• Strong cost accounting skills including standard costing and variance analysis.
• Excellent communication skills in cross-functional environments.

Responsibilities

• Own program P&L visibility from first part introduction through steady-state production.
• Lead monthly forecast cycle for the program including volume and launch spend.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and support valuation and reserves.

Skills

Cost accounting skills

Advanced Excel skills

Cross-functional communication

ERP experience

Job description

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

The Program Finance Lead supports a new program as it transitions into production. This role owns product costing, variance analysis, forecasting, and operational finance support. The position partners closely with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to ensure accurate costs, strong financial controls, and a successful production ramp-up.

Onsite in Wellington, KS.

Job Responsibilities

Program & Production Finance

• Own program P&L visibility from first part introduction through steady‑state production.
• Maintain standard costs (materials, labor, overhead).
• Analyze PPV, usage, mix, labor efficiency/productivity, scrap, and absorption variances with root‑cause and action plans.
• Partner with operations to model throughput scenarios, capacity constraints, and ramp curves; quantify financial impact.

Forecasting & Modeling

• Lead monthly forecast cycle for the program (volume, material, labor, overhead, launch spend).
• Build driver‑based models and scenario analyses.
• Develop product‑level margin analytics and cost improvement recommendations.

Inventory & Supply Chain Finance

• Ensure inventory accuracy (WIP, FG) and support valuation and Non‑Conforming/E&O reserves.
• Track tooling, launch costs, and capital investments.
• Support supplier cost changes and freight analysis.

Operational Finance Support

• Establish financial SOPs for variance reviews and month‑end processes.
• Create Excel‑based dashboards for production, scrap, labor, and cost data.
• Participate in daily/weekly tier meetings; drive clear corrective actions tied to financial outcomes.
• Convert complex financials into clear narratives for operators and leadership.

Controls & Month‑End Close

• Validate ERP transaction flows and resolve discrepancies.
• Own program‑related journal entries, reserves, and reconciliations.
• Support internal/external audits and maintain strong control documentation.

Job Qualifications

• 6–10+ years in Finance/Accounting with manufacturing or operations finance focus.
• Strong cost accounting skills (standard costing, BOM/routings, variance analysis, inventory valuation).
• Advanced Excel skills (modeling, pivots, data analysis).
• ERP experience; understands transaction flows to financials.
• Excellent cross‑functional communication; comfortable on the floor and in leadership meetings.
• Ability to build processes in an evolving environment.

Preferred

• Experience supporting new program introduction (NPI).
• Lean/Six Sigma or manufacturing KPI familiarity.
• Prior leadership or mentoring experience.