Finance Business Partner (Manufacturing)

About the Company

Our client is an industry-leading manufacturer with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion and a strong track record of sustained growth. The organization is part of a world-class global company with a significant presence across multiple markets and a reputation for innovation, operational excellence, and product quality. With continued investment in its manufacturing capabilities and long-term growth initiatives, the company offers an opportunity to join a well-established business with substantial resources and a forward-looking vision.

Position Overview

The Senior Analyst, Manufacturing Finance Business Partner will serve as a key financial resource to manufacturing operations, providing accounting oversight, financial analysis, and strategic decision support across five manufacturing facilities within the business unit.

This position works closely with plant leadership, Operations, Supply Chain, and corporate finance to ensure the integrity of financial reporting while driving greater visibility into manufacturing costs, operational performance, and business profitability. In addition to overseeing key accounting and reporting activities, this individual will lead budgeting and forecasting efforts, identify performance improvement opportunities, and translate financial results into actionable business insights.

The successful candidate will bring a combination of strong accounting fundamentals, manufacturing finance experience, and the ability to partner effectively with operational leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting activities for manufacturing operations across the business unit, maintaining compliance with US GAAP and established corporate accounting policies.

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities, including general ledger oversight for plant profit and loss accounts and balance sheet accounts, account reconciliations, and balance sheet analysis.

• Prepare and evaluate manufacturing financial data, including material consumption, production costs, labor expenses, operating results, manufacturing metrics, and sales mix.

• Assist in establishing, enhancing, and maintaining internal accounting controls, policies, and procedures.

• Provide guidance and training to manufacturing personnel on financial processes, accounting policies, ERP functionality, inventory valuation, and inventory management practices.

• Collaborate with Plant Management, Operations, and Supply Chain to coordinate annual and periodic physical inventory counts. Monitor inventory accuracy, research material variances, drive timely corrective action, and evaluate related financial reporting implications.

• Partner with the fixed asset accounting function to oversee accounting treatment for capital expenditures, fixed assets, and leases, ensuring adherence to applicable accounting standards and company guidelines.

• Participate in ERP-related initiatives, including system implementations, process improvements, and the identification of opportunities to maximize system capabilities.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Direct the development of annual operating budgets and monthly financial forecasts for manufacturing operations within the US Automation division.

• Participate in recurring financial reviews with the broader finance organization, providing manufacturing-specific analysis and explanations of variances against budget, forecast, and prior-year results.

• Facilitate monthly financial performance discussions with plant managers, communicating results, identifying emerging trends, and highlighting areas requiring attention.

• Work alongside plant leadership to evaluate operational performance and manufacturing cost drivers, including direct materials, labor, overhead, freight, productivity, and cost variances.

• Analyze manufacturing expenses, inventory levels, and working capital trends to identify opportunities for improved financial and operational performance.

• Establish, monitor, and maintain operational financial metrics, key performance indicators, and management reporting dashboards.

• Provide financial analysis and support for strategic business initiatives, including manufacturing footprint decisions, cost reduction programs, productivity improvements, and capital investment proposals.

• Identify financial risks and opportunities, evaluate potential business impacts, and recommend actions to improve results.

• Complete ad hoc financial analysis, reporting, and special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline required.

• Four or more years of progressive accounting or financial analysis experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.

• Working knowledge of US GAAP and general accounting principles, including financial close and balance sheet management.

• Experience working with SAP or another enterprise-level ERP system.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.

• Ability to interpret financial and operational data and communicate findings effectively to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple manufacturing locations and functional teams.

An equivalent combination of education and professional experience may be considered in lieu of specific educational or experience requirements.

Work Environment & Location

• The position is primarily office-based, with periodic visits to manufacturing facilities. Plant environments may include typical manufacturing conditions such as elevated noise levels, temperature variations, and exposure to industrial equipment and machinery.

• The role will be based between the company’s corporate headquarters in Chesterfield, Missouri, and its manufacturing facility in St. Charles, Missouri. Office space is available at both locations, and the schedule will provide flexibility to work from either site.

• Approximately 20% travel to manufacturing facilities is anticipated. Two of the five supported facilities are located in the St. Louis metropolitan area.