What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operational Finance Analyst position at Crenlo?
Summary
The Operational Finance Analyst will be directly involved in oversight of our Std Cost System as well as being a key driver of execution of our Business and Margin Analysis across our facilities/business units. The role will help ensure accuracy and integrity of cost and inventory data, support operational efficiency, and provide actionable insights to drive financial performance. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical expertise, a deep understanding and curiosity of manufacturing processes, and solid experience and versatility in the use of different systems and current data-mining techniques and technical tools. Experience with Oracle ERP systems is helpful as well.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Leadership & Analysis
- Provide strategic insights on gross margins, manufacturing variances, and product-line profitability.
- Conduct variance analysis (material, labor, overhead, and PPV) and partner with operations to implement corrective actions.
- Partner with Plant Controllers, operation, engineering and sales to improve decision-making on pricing, cost control, and resource utilization.
- Cost System & ERP Management
- Manage and maintain the ERP cost accounting and costing systems, including annual cost roll and labor updates.
- Develop and standardize cost accounting processes across plants to ensure data integrity and consistency.
- Collaborate with IT and ERP teams to enhance system functionality and reporting accuracy.
- Inventory Management
- Be involved with inventory valuation, reconciliation, and reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Collaborate with operations to improve inventory control and cycle count accuracy.
- Monitor and analyze inventory turnover, excess, and obsolescence trends to minimize write-offs.
- Support inventory optimization initiatives to align working capital with production and demand planning.
- Ensure Oracle ERP inventory modules reflect accurate and current data for production and finance reporting.
- Operational Support & Continuous Improvement & Compliance
- Lead cost reduction and efficiency initiatives, including cost avoidance, process automation, and waste reduction.
- Support external and internal audit requirements as needed.
Key Skills and Competencies
- Proven expertise in Business Analysis within a manufacturing environment
- Strong command of Excel and data analysis tools (Query, Power BI, etc.)
- Deep understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and margin management.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects and drive process automation.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills for financial and non-financial audiences.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on accuracy and deadlines.
- High integrity, initiative, and attention to detail. Curiosity is integral to success.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA a bonus.
- 3 years of progressive cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience with ERP Systems, exposure to ADP or similar financial systems preferred.
Working Conditions
Work Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday (40 hours per week)
Travel: Up to 30% to manufacturing sites
Environment: Office and plant settings
This position plays a pivotal role in connecting financial data to operational performance, ensuring Crenlo’s manufacturing decisions are informed by accurate cost insights. This is an excellent opportunity for a business professional to influence strategic manufacturing outcomes within a global organization.