Finance Plant Manager

About FUCHS Lubricants Co.:

FUCHS Lubricants Co. is the United States operating unit of FUCHS S.E., the world's largest independent manufacturer of specialty lubricants with global sales exceeding $3.5 Billion. We provide high-quality lubricants and services to a wide range of industries such as automotive, appliance, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, transportation, food and beverage, mining, and energy. The organization is constantly developing new technology to meet the ever‑changing demands of modern industry and is recognized for delivering world‑class technical support to our strong customer base.

Job Summary:

The Plant Finance Manager requires a hands-on leader who can serve as a trusted business partner to the Director of Manufacturing and Senior Director of Finance. This role will also provide support for the Research, Development & Innovation Leader at our new state of the art R&D Center. The Finance Manager will be critical in bridging operations and finance within the site’s production environment. This individual will focus on driving value creation, supporting growth initiatives, and implementing systems and processes to enhance financial performance and operational excellence at the site. This position will be responsible for ensuring compliance with financial policies, controls, and best practices.

Salary:

FUCHS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience in a similar position. The salary range for this position is $130,000 - $150,000 per year, but actual salary will vary depending upon a new hire’s experience and qualifications as well as internal equity.

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Accounting and Inventory Control

• Oversee standard costing systems.
• Create item master setups in Great Plains, including BOMs for finished goods, routings and assigning the correct labor rates and overhead.

• Analyze and report on:
• Material usage variances
• Labor efficiency variances
• Overhead absorption
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation (raw materials, WIP, finished goods).
• Monitor and reduce:
• Scrap and waste
• Obsolescence
• Cycle count discrepancies
• Partner with operations to improve cost accuracy and transparency.

Manufacturing Performance Monitoring

• Track key plant KPIs:

• Cost per unit
• Yield and throughput
• Review manufacturing orders daily to ensure accuracy in reporting.
• Verify quantitieis received, raw materials consumed, labor postings and BOM deviations.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives with financial analysis.

Month-End Close and Reporting

• Manage plant-level financial close process:

• Journal entries (accruals, reclasses)
• Inventory adjustments
• Ensure compliance with GAAP/IFRS and company policies.
• Run the monthly cost roll-up.
• Reconcile inventory (finished goods, raw materials, packaging components and WIP) and make adjustments as needed.
• Prepare aged inventory reports.
• Calculate obsolescence and reserves.
• Deliver timely financial reports:
• Profit & Loss (P&L)
• Cost center reports
• Production cost summaries
• Explain key drivers behind financial results to corporate finance.

Business Partnering with Operations

• Act as a strategic advisor to the Plant Manager and leadership team.

• Collaborate with departments:
• Production
• Supply chain
• Engineering
• Drive financial accountability across plant functions.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting from a four-year college or university.
• CPA or MBA preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive finance experience, with a proven ability to simplify complex financial data into actionable insights. 
• Computer proficiency required including Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP formulas, create/manipulate tables, etc.), PowerPoint. 
• Great Plains and SAP proficiency.
•    Demonstrated ability to implement and manage financial controls, systems, and performance measures.
•    Strong oral, presentation, and written communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across functional teams  
•    High energy, results-oriented, and adaptable with a track record of accountability and operational excellence.
• Must have a flexible schedule to accomodate monthly, quarterly and annual deadlines.

Benefits:

Fuchs offers a challenging and rewarding working environment where employees are encouraged to develop and grow as professionals.  In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on projects that will expand your experience and challenge your abilities in the global marketplace.  The position also offers an excellent compensation package and a comprehensive suite of benefits. 

Fuchs Lubricants Co. is an equal employment opportunity (EEO)/AA employer and strongly supports diversity in the workplace (m/f/d/v).

Do you have any questions? Jordan Hallow (jordan.hallow@fuchs.com) will be more than happy to answer them!