What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Director - Global Manufacturing position at Franklin Electric?
Department: Finance / Accounting / Audit
Location: US - Indiana - Fort Wayne
The Director of Global Manufacturing Finance provides financial leadership across cost accounting, network analysis, and operational FP&A for the Global Operations organization. This role oversees financial planning, forecasting, and budgeting processes while ensuring compliance with U.S. GAAP and Franklin Electric policies.
The Director partners closely with operations leadership to drive performance, support strategic decision making, and enable the successful financial integration of acquired businesses into global manufacturing operations, while leading a globally distributed team of finance and accounting professionals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, consolidation, and presentation of the annual operating budget and periodic financial forecasts.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant monthly, quarterly, and year‑end close processes.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial and operational reporting, analytics, and decision‑support capabilities.
- Partner closely with Global Operations leaders to support operational performance, cost management, and strategic initiatives.
- Deliver rigorous cost, profitability, and business analyses to support management decision‑making and achievement of financial objectives.
- Support the financial aspects of acquisition integration within global manufacturing operations, including alignment of processes, reporting, and controls.
- Support the Global Operations organization through internal and external audits, ensuring strong audit readiness and compliance with accounting standards and company policies.
- Establish, maintain, and enhance documented accounting policies and procedures.
- Oversee general ledger activities to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
- Manage and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned
- Directly and indirectly manage supervisory and non supervisory employees.
- Recruit, onboard, develop, and retain top talent.
- Plan, assign, and direct work; evaluate performance; address employee issues; and foster professional development.
- Effectively manage and engage employees across multiple locations and regions.
Skills
- Exceptional verbal and written communication and presentation skills across all organizational levels.
- Strong analytical, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to balance detail and strategic perspective.
- Proven ability to partner effectively with operations leaders in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong planning, prioritization, and execution skills for self and team.
- Demonstrated experience managing remote and international teams.
- Deep understanding of complex accounting concepts and financial principles.
- Willingness to travel up to 20%.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (required).
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree (preferred).
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting (required).
- 3–5 years of people leadership experience (required).
- Strong working knowledge of U.S. GAAP (required); IFRS exposure (preferred).
- International business experience (preferred).
- Manufacturing or operations finance experience (preferred).
- CPA or CMA (preferred)
- Advanced: ERP systems (JD Edwards preferred), Microsoft Excel.
- Intermediate: PowerPoint, Microsoft Power BI.
- Basic: Database tools.
Why Work at Franklin Electric?
Becoming a part of the Franklin Electric team not only provides outstanding benefits, it also opens doors to opportunities for future growth. Enjoy peace of mind with a world-class company. But more importantly, be satisfied in knowing you make a difference.
Take a look at this video to see our Global Headquarters here in Fort Wayne, Indiana.