Manufacturing Finance Manager

Director of Finance Location:

Wisconsin Position Summary The Director of Finance leads financial planning and analysis (FP&A), supports strong financial controls and reporting, and provides operational oversight across key internal functions. This role serves as a strategic finance partner to leadership while also acting as a hands-on leader capable of stepping in as backup to the Controller if needed. The position serves as a bridge between finance and manufacturing operations to ensure both disciplines work together and understand the financial implications relating to manufacturing. The position also oversees key administrative operations including HR administration and IT vendor coordination. Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership (FP&A / Business Partnering) Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling for the business Provide monthly management reporting , KPI dashboards, and variance analysis Drive actionable insights on profitability, margins, pricing, labor, and overhead Support capital planning, ROI analysis, and cost improvement initiatives Partner with operations on throughput, scrap, efficiency, and plant performance metrics Manufacturing Finance / Cost Accounting Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing variances Analyze material, labor, and overhead variances and support corrective actions Support accurate inventory, product costing and margin reporting Assist with inventory controls, cycle counts, and reconciliation support Manage Fixed Assets and CAPEX analysis and reporting Controller Backup Provide support for month-end close if needed Ensure financial statements are accurate and aligned with internal controls Serve as backup to the Controller , including the ability to lead close and reporting if required Improve processes across AP/AR, cash flow, purchasing controls, and documentation Support audit, tax, and external reporting needs (as applicable) People Leadership Provide leadership to finance/accounting staff (directly or indirectly) Establish accountability, deadlines, and performance expectations Mentor staff and elevate team capability through training and structure HR Administration Oversight (not a "Head of HR") Oversee HR administration processes. Backup for payroll processing Partner with leadership on compensation planning and headcount budgeting Coordinate benefits administration and support Controller with payroll process oversight (with external provider) and responsible for additional audits (eg 401K) as needed. Support compliance processes (handbook, policies, required postings/training coordination) IT Administration Oversight (vendor management + business systems) Oversee and support internal IT manager with vendors (MS365, ERP, cybersecurity, helpdesk) Support ERP reporting improvements and data accuracy initiatives Help ensure cybersecurity best practices are followed (in partnership with vendors) Qualifications 5+ years in finance, FP&A, and/or accounting leadership roles Experience in manufacturing strongly preferred Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory, and operational metrics Demonstrated ability to lead teams and improve processes Comfortable working hands-on in a growing organization ERP and advanced Excel skills required Preferred CPA, CMA, or MBA (preferred, not required) Experience partnering with operations leadership in a plant environment Success in This Role Looks Like Forecasts and KPIs are trusted and used in decision-making Close and reporting are stable, timely, and accurate Margins and variances are clearly explained and improved over time Finance team performance improves through leadership and structure HR and IT administration run smoothly with strong vendor coordination The company is protected with a capable Controller backup plan