Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager
- Girard's Food service Dressings

General Summary
This is a full‑time position in Manteno, IL that reports to the Controller. As the Accounting Manager, you will oversee the financial operations at the plant level. Reporting directly to the Plant Controller, you will focus on cost management, operational efficiency, and financial analysis related to manufacturing. Your role is crucial in driving plant‑level financial performance and ensuring alignment with the overall corporate financial strategy.

• Lead the financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes at the plant level.
• Monitor plant performance metrics, prepare variance analysis, and provide recommendations to improve profitability.
• Analyze production costs, labor efficiency, material usage, and overheads to identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Ensure accurate and timely cost accounting, including product costing, variance reporting, and cost allocation.
• Analyze manufacturing variances such as material usage variance, labor variance, and overhead variance.
• Collaborate with operations to review bills of materials (BOMs) and standard costs to ensure accuracy.
• Work closely with plant management to drive cost savings initiatives and improve overall operational efficiency.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects (Lean, Six Sigma) to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Monitor inventory levels and perform regular inventory audits to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the plant in accordance with corporate policies and GAAP/IFRS standards.
• Support external and internal audits, ensuring compliance with financial policies and controls.
• Assist in evaluating capital expenditure (Capex) projects, ensuring alignment with financial goals and operational needs.
• Conduct return on investment (ROI) analysis for plant investments and provide financial justification for new projects.
• Lead the preparation of the plant’s annual budget and long‑term financial forecasts.
• Track performance against budget, identifying any risks or opportunities, and communicating insights to the Plant Controller.
• Ensure proper internal controls are in place at the plant level to safeguard assets and prevent fraud or mismanagement.
• Support the implementation and enforcement of company‑wide financial policies and procedures.
• Partner with operations, supply chain, procurement, and engineering teams to ensure financial objectives are integrated with business strategies.
• Provide financial insights and support decision‑making related to production planning, capacity utilization, and supply chain optimization.
• Provide financial analysis on specific business issues, such as pricing strategies, product profitability, and make‑versus‑buy decisions.
• Support the Plant Controller with special projects, including financial modeling and analysis for strategic plant initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting.
• 5+ years of experience in finance, accounting, or cost management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, manufacturing processes, and operational metrics.
• Proficient in financial software (ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, etc.) and advanced Excel skills.
• Solid knowledge of financial reporting standards (GAAP/IFRS) and internal control frameworks.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and communication skills.
  
  Detail‑Oriented:
  High attention to detail in managing complex cost structures and financial reporting.
  
  Analytical:
  Ability to analyze financial data and translate it into actionable insights for plant management.
  
  Collaborative:
  Ability to work cross‑functionally and build strong relationships with plant operations teams.
  
  Proactive:
  Eager to identify opportunities for process improvement and cost reduction.
  
  Adaptable:
  Comfortable in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment with changing business needs. Desired Certifications
  • CPA or CMA
  Salary

  Starting at $95,000 annually

  Seniority Level

  Mid‑Senior level

  Employment Type

  Full‑time

  Job Function

  Accounting/Auditing and Finance

  Industry

  Food and Beverage Manufacturing