FP&A Manager

Job Summary :

The FP&A Manager is responsible for driving financial planning, forecasting, and performance analysis for an automotive manufacturing operation. This role partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Commercial teams to deliver actionable insights that improve profitability, cost efficiency, and capital deployment. The ideal candidate has strong manufacturing finance experience, understands automotive cost drivers, and can translate complex financial data into clear business recommendations .

Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Planning & Forecasting

Lead the annual budget, rolling forecast, and long-range plan for manufacturing and related functions

Develop and maintain detailed financial models covering:

Production volumes and mix

Material, labor, and overhead costs

Capital expenditures and depreciation

Ensure alignment between operational plans (S&OP) and financial forecasts

Manufacturing & Cost Analysis

Own and analyze standard costing , absorption, and variance analysis (PPV, usage, labor efficiency, overhead)

Partner with plant leadership to:

Identify cost reduction and productivity opportunities

Track savings from lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

Monitor key automotive cost drivers including:

Raw materials and commodity exposure

Scrap, yield, and warranty costs

Capacity utilization and fixed-cost absorption

Business Partnership & Decision Support

Serve as a trusted finance partner to Plant Managers, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering

Translate financial results into clear narratives for operational and executive audiences

Reporting & Performance Management

Prepare and present monthly financial reviews , highlighting risks, opportunities, and corrective actions

Complete and review monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring reconciling items are identified, supported, and resolved timely

Prepare the three primary financial statements: Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows, ensuring accuracy and consistency with underlying financial data

Develop and maintain KPIs and dashboards focused on:

Margin performance

Cost per unit

Working capital and inventory turns

Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and consistency of financial data

Capital & Cash Flow Management

Monitor capex execution vs. plan and post-investment performance

Support working capital optimization (inventory, payables, receivables)

Leadership & Process Improvement

Coach and develop FP&A analysts

Drive improvements in forecasting accuracy, reporting automation, and financial processes

Required Experience, Education, Skills, and Abilities for Consideration as a Candidate :

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

7+ years of progressive finance experience, including manufacturing FP&A

Strong understanding of:

Standard costing and variance analysis

High-volume, capital-intensive manufacturing environments

Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills

Proven ability to partner with non-finance stakeholders

Preferred or Additional, Experience, Education, Skills and Abilities:

Strategic thinking with strong execution mindset

Ability to simplify complex financial concepts

Data-driven decision making

Strong communication and influencing skills

Comfortable operating in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments