Dir of Finance and Central Functions

Reporting to: President and CEO / Managing Director Opelika Plant BU Cooking

Direct Reports: Controlling Clerk, Finance Clerk

Organizational relations: 

Locally:
-    All business functions of plant
-    USA authorities and public institutions
-    External service providers such as auditors, tax advisors and banks

Internationally:
-    Frequent interaction and alignment of USA activities with Vice President Finance BU Cooking 
-    Directors of the BU Cooking, especially Controlling/Finance, Human Resources, and Category Marketing
-    Vice President Finance VG USA
-    Others as needed and on demand.

Requirements:
•    MBA or bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting or controlling.
•    Certified Public Accountant desired but not mandatory.
•    Skills in corporate tax accountant
•    Minimum 5 years experience in financial management practices, ideally also in cost accounting.
•    Solid US GAAP and financial reporting technical skills, German GAAP desirable.
•    Proven experience as a financial leader or similar financial leadership role as an expert within the manufacturing industry.
•    Exceptional leadership and business partnering skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
•    Strong understanding of manufacturing accounting principles, and financial and cost analysis.
•    Demonstrated track record of operative financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
•    Proficiency in financial management software such as SAP R3 / SAP4Hana and advanced knowledge of all Microsoft products such as Excel. Ability to manage accounts A/R and A/P
•    Experience managing profitability, and promoting of process improvement.
•    Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
•    In depth knowledge of corporate financial law and risk management practices
•    Excellent communication and people skills.•    

Responsibilities:
As a seasoned financial leader in the manufacturing industry the Manager Finance will apply their strategic mindset and collaborative leadership style to:
•    Lead and manage accounting and controlling to ensure efficient and effective operations across all aspects of the organization.
•    
•    Develop financial goals, evaluate trends; establish critical measurements; develop/refine costing methods for accurate pricing, determine production, and productivity, ,; design systems; identify and accumulate resources; resolve problems; and implement change in collaboration with the CEO and leadership team.
•    Forecast capital, facilities, and staff requirements together with HR; identify monetary resources; and develop action plans to support strategies and organizational goals.

Responsibility for all assets and liabilities for the company including A/R, A/P and Cash

Develop organization prospects by:
•    Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
•    Monthly P&L for profit sharing; Quarterly and annual financials and presentations to the Board.
•    Perform risk management.
Provide financial guidance and support to the CEO and leadership team by:
•    Offering insights and recommendations on business decisions and investments; Deciding on investment strategies by considering cash and liquidity risks; Evaluating the investment accounts for proper risk allocation.
Prepare reliable current and forecasting reports to include:
•    
•    Lead the budgeting and forecasting processes, monitoring financial performance and variances.
•    Oversee cash flow management, treasury functions, and banking relationships.
•    Ensure cash flow is appropriate for the organization’s operations.
•    Set up and oversee the company’s finance IT system.
•    
•    Manage relationships with external stakeholders, such as auditors, tax advisors, and financial institutions.
•    Ensure compliance with the law and company’s policies.
•    File annual forms such as 5500’s and sales taxes.
•    Update job knowledge by remaining aware of new regulations, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency and cost optimization.
•    Assist with HR duties to ensure compliance with labor laws; File annual forms as needed.
•    Work across all business lines to identify opportunities for growth that are financially sound.