WestRock Company
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly, Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber‑based packaging forward.
Finance Manager – Business Finance & Accounting Leader (Location: Germantown, WI) The Opportunity We are seeking a Business Finance & Accounting leader that will report to the Area Sr. Finance Manager – Great Lakes Region. This individual will be responsible for one or two manufacturing plants and will demonstrate the ability to influence plant personnel through fact‑based analysis, provide insights into recommendations, analysis and drive improvements in operations, sales and overall profitability of the plant. The Business Finance & Accounting Leader will be a business partner to the site General Manager and accountable for the bottom‑line results of the facilities.
Responsibilities
Budget & Financial Preparation and Reporting
Prepare annual budget and quarterly forecasts in conjunction with the plant General Manager with a goal of forecast accuracy.
Utilize KPIs and plant initiatives to project future plant growth opportunities.
Collaborate with Commercial Business leads to challenge and validate top‑line revenue expectations.
Communicate the organization’s values and create simplified budget and reporting processes.
Balance financial and non‑financial indicators.
Lead monthly results communication through routine presentations and clear reports, articulating key impactful items to the business results.
Monitor weekly results tracking and provide recommendations to drive actions to achieve or exceed targets.
Serve as a consultant to business partners to develop action plans for improvement.
Provide cost‑take‑out support, review and tracking.
Strategic Planning (CAPEX)
Partner with the General Manager on future and long‑range capital needs to sustain and grow the site’s business opportunities.
Understand competitor strengths and weaknesses.
Ensure timely closure of all capital projects after in‑service date.
Develop financial models for return‑generating projects and track investment returns monthly.
Conduct post‑audits for projects after maturity.
Internal Controls
Oversee all internal controls and failures of the site(s).
Ensure decisions are made by those with authority to act.
Maintain documented company policies for PCard, travel & expenses, inventory, voucher matching, etc.
Perform quarterly balance‑sheet reviews with accounting.
Find balance between value creation and control efficiency.
Optimize processes through IT improvement and implementation.
Drive process improvements using best practices across the organization.
Annual fixed‑asset audit.
Profitability Analysis
Leverage data systems to provide ongoing customer profitability analysis and correct margin erosion.
Ensure customer level profitability analysis is aligned with overall plant performance.
Assess customer and product outliers to drive corrective actions on cost models and allocations.
Facilitate open discussions on margin improvement through volume, price or operational changes.
Review PAT for current and new customers, including legal contracts and credit terms.
Address staffing discussions for optimal headcount.
Accounting
Review and validate plant WIP, Finished Goods and raw materials values.
Create and review site monthly journal entries.
Review P&L accounts and statistical data for reclassification.
Assist with plant inventory counts and reconciliation.
Monitor customer rebates and cost‑take‑out commitments.
Other tasks as deemed necessary.
Working Capital / Cash Flow Monitoring
Facilitate decisions that improve working capital or prevent negative impacts.
Partner with Accounts Receivable to remedy short‑term issues.
Guide plant personnel on purchase order and receipt procedures.
Ad Hoc Analysis
Compare plant performance to similar plants or business units.
Lead profitability improvement programs for plants on improvement plans.
Compile and deliver plant visit decks to senior leadership.
Educate plant key personnel on data utilization and reporting tools.
What You Need To Succeed
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
10+ years of finance career progression in corporate/operations finance.
Experience in the paper and packaging industry or a similar manufacturing environment preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing diverse teams and full hiring, development, performance responsibility.
Strong analytical skills and a willingness to dive into details.
Strong verbal and written communication; proven as a business partner to operational leaders.
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
Self‑starter, fully self‑directed, passionate about continuous improvement and growth.
Excellent PC skills: AS400, BPCS, Radius, MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, pivot tables and data mining; prior Hyperion experience desired.
What We Offer
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence.
Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential.
A career with a global packaging company where sustainability, safety and inclusion drive business and shape daily work.
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
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Finance Manager – Business Finance & Accounting Leader (Location: Germantown, WI) The Opportunity We are seeking a Business Finance & Accounting leader that will report to the Area Sr. Finance Manager – Great Lakes Region. This individual will be responsible for one or two manufacturing plants and will demonstrate the ability to influence plant personnel through fact‑based analysis, provide insights into recommendations, analysis and drive improvements in operations, sales and overall profitability of the plant. The Business Finance & Accounting Leader will be a business partner to the site General Manager and accountable for the bottom‑line results of the facilities.
Responsibilities
Budget & Financial Preparation and Reporting
Prepare annual budget and quarterly forecasts in conjunction with the plant General Manager with a goal of forecast accuracy.
Utilize KPIs and plant initiatives to project future plant growth opportunities.
Collaborate with Commercial Business leads to challenge and validate top‑line revenue expectations.
Communicate the organization’s values and create simplified budget and reporting processes.
Balance financial and non‑financial indicators.
Lead monthly results communication through routine presentations and clear reports, articulating key impactful items to the business results.
Monitor weekly results tracking and provide recommendations to drive actions to achieve or exceed targets.
Serve as a consultant to business partners to develop action plans for improvement.
Provide cost‑take‑out support, review and tracking.
Strategic Planning (CAPEX)
Partner with the General Manager on future and long‑range capital needs to sustain and grow the site’s business opportunities.
Understand competitor strengths and weaknesses.
Ensure timely closure of all capital projects after in‑service date.
Develop financial models for return‑generating projects and track investment returns monthly.
Conduct post‑audits for projects after maturity.
Internal Controls
Oversee all internal controls and failures of the site(s).
Ensure decisions are made by those with authority to act.
Maintain documented company policies for PCard, travel & expenses, inventory, voucher matching, etc.
Perform quarterly balance‑sheet reviews with accounting.
Find balance between value creation and control efficiency.
Optimize processes through IT improvement and implementation.
Drive process improvements using best practices across the organization.
Annual fixed‑asset audit.
Profitability Analysis
Leverage data systems to provide ongoing customer profitability analysis and correct margin erosion.
Ensure customer level profitability analysis is aligned with overall plant performance.
Assess customer and product outliers to drive corrective actions on cost models and allocations.
Facilitate open discussions on margin improvement through volume, price or operational changes.
Review PAT for current and new customers, including legal contracts and credit terms.
Address staffing discussions for optimal headcount.
Accounting
Review and validate plant WIP, Finished Goods and raw materials values.
Create and review site monthly journal entries.
Review P&L accounts and statistical data for reclassification.
Assist with plant inventory counts and reconciliation.
Monitor customer rebates and cost‑take‑out commitments.
Other tasks as deemed necessary.
Working Capital / Cash Flow Monitoring
Facilitate decisions that improve working capital or prevent negative impacts.
Partner with Accounts Receivable to remedy short‑term issues.
Guide plant personnel on purchase order and receipt procedures.
Ad Hoc Analysis
Compare plant performance to similar plants or business units.
Lead profitability improvement programs for plants on improvement plans.
Compile and deliver plant visit decks to senior leadership.
Educate plant key personnel on data utilization and reporting tools.
What You Need To Succeed
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration; CPA and/or MBA preferred.
10+ years of finance career progression in corporate/operations finance.
Experience in the paper and packaging industry or a similar manufacturing environment preferred.
Demonstrated experience managing diverse teams and full hiring, development, performance responsibility.
Strong analytical skills and a willingness to dive into details.
Strong verbal and written communication; proven as a business partner to operational leaders.
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
Self‑starter, fully self‑directed, passionate about continuous improvement and growth.
Excellent PC skills: AS400, BPCS, Radius, MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, pivot tables and data mining; prior Hyperion experience desired.
What We Offer
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence.
Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential.
A career with a global packaging company where sustainability, safety and inclusion drive business and shape daily work.
Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr