Senior Manufacturing Financial Analyst

Manufacturing Finance | Cost Accounting | Operations Finance

Location: Little Rock, AR

An innovative heavy industry manufacturer is in search of a Senior Manufacturing Financial Analyst to provide support for plant operations, cost accounting, financial planning, and operational performance within a dynamic manufacturing setting.

In this role, you will act as a crucial business partner to executive leadership, operations, supply chain, and manufacturing teams, assisting in driving profitability, cost control, inventory accuracy, and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in manufacturing finance, with a strong background in standard costing, inventory accounting, ERP systems, and plant operations.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Finance & Cost Accounting

• Oversee and maintain standard costing systems, including BOM reviews, cost rollups, and overhead allocations
• Analyze manufacturing variances such as labor efficiency, material usage, purchase price variance, and overhead absorption
• Support inventory valuation, WIP analysis, inventory controls, and COGS reconciliation
• Collaborate with operations leadership to identify cost reduction opportunities and enhance plant profitability
• Monitor manufacturing KPIs and offer actionable recommendations for improving operational performance

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning initiatives
• Create financial models to support revenue, cost, margin, and cash flow analysis
• Conduct monthly variance analysis and communicate results to leadership
• Assist in executive reporting and business performance reviews

Operations Partnership

• Act as a finance business partner for manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and plant leadership teams
• Support capital project analysis, ROI evaluations, and investment decisions
• Assist with operational improvement projects and financial impact assessments

Systems & Reporting

• Utilize ERP systems to analyze operational and financial performance
• Develop reporting tools, dashboards, and financial models
• Support reporting automation, data integrity, and continuous improvement efforts

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field
• 5 years of experience in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, or operations finance
• Strong background in standard costing and manufacturing cost accounting
• Experience supporting plant operations and manufacturing leadership
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP strongly preferred)
• Advanced skills in Excel, including financial modeling and data analysis
• Ability to translate financial information into operational recommendations

Preferred Background

• Experience in steel, metals, pipe, tubular, oil & gas, forging, foundry, fabrication, industrial equipment, building products, chemical, paper, or other heavy manufacturing sectors
• Proficiency in SAP FI/CO
• Knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, or advanced reporting tools
• Experience in multi-site manufacturing support
• CPA, CMA, or MBA certification

This role presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with executive leadership and play a significant role in influencing operational performance, manufacturing efficiency, profitability, and strategic growth initiatives.