Overview
A manufacturing company backed by private equity and with significant U.S. and international operations is looking for an experienced Plant Finance Manager to oversee two production facilities in the Western Chicago Suburbs. This position involves complete financial ownership of both plants and serves as a key partner to operations, sales, and regional finance leadership.

With a focus on growth and a track record of acquisitions, there is potential for career advancement as strategic corporate functions move to the Chicagoland area.

Ideal Background:
The ideal candidate for this role is a seasoned senior cost accountant or plant finance manager with manufacturing experience and expertise in ERP systems. Previous experience with IQMS or Oracle is advantageous.

Position Summary

The Plant Finance Manager is responsible for providing financial leadership and decision support for plant operations. This involves ensuring accurate reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, and sound financial planning. The role is hands-on, requiring active involvement in daily accounting, cost analysis, forecasting, and contributing to operational efficiency and strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily/month-end accounting tasks such as journal entries, reconciliations, and system transactions

• Generate regular financial reports and conduct plant-level financial analysis

• Supervise costing and quoting processes in collaboration with Sales, Operations, and Regional Finance

• Lead annual budgeting and monthly forecasting for both plant locations

• Support internal control and compliance activities

• Analyze standard labor and material costs, including variance reporting

• Handle internal and external audit requests

• Provide financial analysis support for CapEx and other operational initiatives

• Participate in continuous improvement efforts and ad hoc projects as required

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is mandatory

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant finance and accounting experience in a manufacturing setting

• Preferably experience at a plant-level or in a multi-site environment

Skills:

• Strong analytical abilities with meticulous attention to detail

• Proficient in advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills

• Experience with ERP systems (preferably IQMS and/or Oracle)

• Capable of working independently and taking full ownership of tasks

• Proven track record of meeting deadlines and prioritizing tasks effectively

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Additional Notes:
This role provides a great opportunity for visibility, autonomy, and future growth as the company expands operations and invests in its regional presence.