Financial Planner & Analyst (m/w/d)

JOB SCOPE

Supports with financial oversight of manufacturing locations globally. Conducts specialized analysis for plants to uncover financial improvement opportunities to lead to a turnaround in operational results and/or to contribute to strategic planning decisions related to manufacturing growth plans. The role will also coordinate the timely completion and submission of financial reports, presentations, etc. Supports the company's SG&A reporting, forecasting and budgeting along with variance analysis and ad hoc requests. This position will be a true partner to department heads and functional executives in explaining and forecasting their SG&A spend.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists to oversee the financial processes and preparation of month-end close statements, including the analysis of cost variance reconciliations, inventory reconciliations, general ledger entries, standard cost reconciliations, changes in Fixed Assets and forecast adjustments to budget.
• Assists to oversee budget and trend forecast and assist the site(s) to prepare and provide explanation of significant variances.
• Assists the site Controllers with preparation of internal financial reporting (i.e. - weekly pulse checks, monthly performance presentations, etc.).
• Completes in-depth analysis for the location(s) to uncover opportunities for improvement with a specific focus on maintaining and/or increasing profitability and alignment with the unit's growth plan. May also manage implementation of the recommendations.
• Assists the plants in their preparation of annual plant business plans. Involved in initial review to ensure compliance to objectives and targets.
• Participates in monthly report-out sessions to present financials for the location(s).
• Supports all location(s) with extraction of cost data out of the system and provide support to corporate with the annual standard cost development of plant rates (labor & overhead cost).
• Creates forward-looking financial models and "what if" modeling capabilities, e.g. review/forecasting the trends, cost/benefit, margin impact (make vs. buy, etc.) enhancing the decision-making process.
• Assists the site Finance Teams to ensure all plant accounting activities comply with GAAP, company's polices and sound business practices.
• Standardizes and continuously improves the company's SG&A forecasting process. Analyses the budget and forecast variances by account, department and function. Leads the SG&A budgeting process. Provides assistance to functional executives in preparing variance explanations and forecasting
• Creates reports needed for standard reporting and ad hoc analysis

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES / TASKS

• Acts as consultant and additional advisor/mentor to plant leadership teams relative to impact of financial decisions
• May provide review and/or input into capital process & provide guidance/assistance preparing AR's.
• May act in absence of the site Controller or be temporarily assigned to assist the site(s) based on special projects, activity levels, etc.
• Supports Continuous Improvement initiatives by ensuring projects have defined and clear financial objectives and results are tracked and reported in the designated format, and ROI, Payback, cost savings and/or cost avoidance is verified. Role will have authority to approve or reject projects based on cost and alignment with the strategic plan of the location or company.
• Completes and performs other duties/tasks as may be assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION & PROVEN EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on Financial reporting experience
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products with an emphasis in Excel
• Understanding and application of financial analysis techniques and general accounting procedures
• Prior experience in Plant Controller role in automotive industry, preferred.
• Fluent English