Plant Finance Analyst

About the role

The Plant Finance Analyst is an operationally embedded financial partner who supports plant leadership through accurate reporting, forward-looking analysis, and actionable insights that improve plant performance. This role ensures financial planning aligns with production and operational objectives by connecting cost drivers, labor efficiency, material usage, and throughput to financial outcomes. By transforming complex operational data into clear recommendations, the position enhances decision-making, strengthens cost controls, and supports overall plant financial health.

Responsibilities

• Partner with plant leadership to translate operational performance into financial targets, forecasts, and decision-support analysis.
• Prepare plant-level budgets, rolling forecasts, and financial models that incorporate production assumptions and operational drivers.
• Conduct timely variance analysis, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions for labor, overhead, material usage, and productivity.
• Collaborate with plant teams to validate data, improve reporting accuracy, and enhance understanding of cost behavior.
• Support development of standardized operational and financial metrics across the facility.
• Analyze trends, risks, and opportunities while linking plant performance to margin and cost outcomes.
• Prepare and present financial reports, performance reviews, and insights to plant management and Finance leadership.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant financial processes, reporting, and data quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of finance or related experience, including directly applicable experience in financial planning & analysis and/or the manufacturing industry.
• Professional certifications such as CPA or CFA preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial modeling strongly desired.

Skills

• Strong understanding of financial principles, cost accounting, and plant operating metrics.
• Ability to analyze production data, identify trends, and connect operational drivers to cost outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial insights to plant operators and leaders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and adapt in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and performance analysis.
• Strong collaboration and partnership skills with cross-functional and plant teams.

Essential Functions

• Frequent use of computer systems for financial analysis, modeling, and reporting.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while preparing reports and analyzing data.
• Occasional walking and standing in plant production areas during operational reviews.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy under tight deadlines.

Work Environment

Work performed in a climate-controlled office environment with frequent engagement on the plant floor. Exposure to noise, dust, and temperature variations during plant walkthroughs or data validation activities. Compliance with all applicable safety protocols when entering production areas.