Accounting - Financial Reporting Manager

Finance Manager

Standard Motor Products is seeking a Finance Manager for our Independence, KS location who thrives in a continuous improvement environment. In this role, you will not just manage the books – you will lead with a Lean mindset. The ideal candidate has experience operating within a Leader Standard Work (LSW) framework to drive daily accountability, eliminate waste, and align plant financial performance with operational goals.

This position manages all financial matters and is the primary owner for financial budgeting and on-going financial forecasts. Partners closely with the Plant Manager to drive strategic plant decisions, identify issues and help drive plant performance and profitability. Works to increase financial visibility, leads local cost-reduction initiatives, and ensures timely execution of reporting.

• Responsible for managing the accounting system and ensuring timely and accurate collection and reporting of cost related financial information, timely and accurate manufacturing cost variance analysis, interface with plant management and plant staff on cost control measures, and implementation of cost reductions.
• Lead and assist in the budget planning and forecasting process as it relates to Independence costs in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Lead the facility’s annual update of standard costs in accordance with corporate guidelines.
• Ensures that inventory balances are properly stated in accordance with US GAAP and the Corporation’s guidelines.
• Review bills of materials for accuracy and that the BOM represents the actual product produced.
• Evaluate the Investment projects submitted by the Independence leadership team to ensure their accuracy and return meets the corporate guidelines.
• Supports SMP-I's Quality, Environmental and Financial Management Systems. Responds to findings or requests timely and appropriately. Supports SMP-I's continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partners with the other members of the leadership team to exemplify and create a culture of ownership and responsibility for outcomes.

Will lead, coach, and develop one exempt employee (Cost Accountant), to including setting clear performance expectations and strategic goals, coaching and developing, prioritizing daily workloads, providing continuous performance feedback, and addressing performance gaps and missed commitments with a solutions-oriented, constructive approach.

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting is required, plus 5-7+ years of experience in a manufacturing cost environment. A master’s in business administration (MBA) or a masters of science in finance (MSF) is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success as a collaborative leader who drives results by empowering their team
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel for analysis, tracking, and reporting.
  • A working knowledge of ERP systems such as Oracle (highly preferred) or SAP, etc.

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