Director of Finance & Accounting – Manufacturing
connect searchEvanston (IL)
$155,000–$175,000 Annual
Apply (opens in a new tab)Director of Finance & Accounting – Manufacturing
Posted 4 days ago
connect searchEvanston (IL)
SENIORITY
Manager
SALARY
$155,000–$175,000 Annual
About the role
Director of Finance & Accounting – Manufacturing
Company Overview:
Our client is an established, privately held manufacturing organization with a diversified operational presence and an international business structure. The company serves commercial and industrial customers and is focused on maintaining strong financial performance, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. The organization is seeking an experienced manufacturing finance and accounting professional to provide financial leadership across multiple business units. This position offers broad responsibility for financial reporting, accounting oversight, planning, compliance, and operational performance management. Location & Compensation
Location:
Northwest Chicago suburbs (specific location to be disclosed to qualified candidates)
Work arrangement: Hybrid – 4 days per week onsite
Base salary: $155,000–$175,000 Annual bonus: 15% target
Position Overview:
The Director of Finance & Accounting will oversee accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and financial controls across multiple operating units within an established manufacturing organization. This individual will serve as a key financial partner to senior leadership, providing accurate financial information, evaluating operational performance, and supporting strategic business decisions. The position requires a hands-on leader who can manage financial processes, review complex accounting matters, and guide accounting personnel while remaining actively involved in day-to-day financial operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Reporting & Accounting Oversight
- Direct financial reporting and accounting activities across multiple operating units
- Oversee the preparation and review of financial statements, management reports, and supporting financial schedules
- Ensure financial information is accurate, timely, and consistent with applicable accounting standards
- Maintain oversight of general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and recurring financial close procedures
- Financial Planning & Performance Analysis
- Oversee annual budgeting, periodic forecasting, and longer-term financial planning activities
- Develop financial projections incorporating operating expenses, revenue expectations, and business initiatives
- Analyze actual financial performance against budgets and forecasts
- Evaluate revenue, gross margins, operating expenses, and profitability trends
- Manufacturing Finance & Operational Accounting
- Oversee accounting activities associated with manufacturing and related business operations
- Partner with operational finance personnel to ensure accurate reporting of production expenses and inventory-related financial activity
- Maintain oversight of manufacturing cost structures, inventory valuation, and cost of goods sold
- Review manufacturing financial results and investigate material differences affecting profitability
- Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit
- Maintain effective financial controls to protect company assets and support reliable reporting
- Evaluate existing accounting procedures and recommend improvements to strengthen compliance and financial accuracy
- Develop and maintain appropriate financial policies and governance standards
- Finance Leadership & Team Development
- Provide leadership and oversight to accounting and finance professionals supporting multiple business units
- Establish clear performance expectations and accountability standards
- Coach and mentor team members to strengthen technical accounting capabilities and professional development
- Strategic Business Partnership
- Serve as a trusted financial advisor to senior business and operational leadership
- Provide independent financial analysis and recommendations regarding business performance
- Partner with operational leaders to evaluate financial results and support business objectives
- Assess the financial implications of growth initiatives, operational changes, and strategic investments
- Participate in leadership discussions involving profitability, planning, and organizational priorities
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline required
- Approximately 6 or more years of progressive accounting, financial management, controllership, or audit experience preferred; candidates with fewer years and directly relevant experience will be considered
- Prior experience as a Plant Controller, Manufacturing Controller, or Manufacturing Accounting Manager strongly preferred
- Approximately 3 or more years of plant-level controllership or comparable manufacturing accounting leadership experience preferred, although candidates with less experience may be considered
- Past or current direct responsibility for detailed cost accounting activities is not required
- Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
- Strong financial analysis capabilities and ability to evaluate operating results and identify opportunities for improvement
- Experience implementing accounting process improvements, reporting enhancements, or financial automation initiatives
- Hands-on leadership approach with a willingness to become directly involved in accounting and operational matters
Before you apply
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