Finance Manager – Strategic Growth & Operations

Location: Buffalo, NY (On-site)

Industry: Manufacturing, Industrial Materials

Seniority Level: Mid-to-Senior

Job Function: Finance & Operations

Employment Type: Full-time

A leading global industrial manufacturer is seeking a highly motivated Finance Manager to join its North American operations team. As the organization enters a phase of accelerated expansion, including major capital investments in infrastructure, this finance leader will serve as a critical business partner to the executive team, helping guide financial strategy, improve operational efficiency, and support cross-functional performance.

This opportunity is ideal for a hands-on financial professional with strong leadership skills, who thrives in a dynamic, high-impact environment and is ready to grow into a broader strategic role.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Drive annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning efforts aligned with organizational objectives.
• Analyze and interpret financial data to deliver actionable insights to executive leadership.
• Prepare and present monthly reporting packages, KPIs, and variance analyses.
• Act as a thought partner to business unit leaders, offering financial guidance and recommendations.

Operational Finance & Controls

• Oversee daily accounting functions, including reporting, account reconciliations, and audit preparation.
• Maintain robust internal controls and ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
• Serve as system administrator for the ERP platform and financial tools (preferably Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central).
• Lead cost analysis initiatives and margin improvement strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner across departments to streamline processes, improve transparency, and build interdepartmental trust.
• Support the executive director with financial reporting to global headquarters in Europe.
• Proactively identify opportunities for automation and technology implementation to increase financial efficiency.
• Occasionally support internal HR and IT coordination in collaboration with leadership.

Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor a small accounting and finance team with potential to grow the function.
• Develop succession planning strategies and foster a culture of professional development and accountability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or related field (CPA/MBA preferred).
• 5–10+ years of progressive finance experience, including exposure to FP&A, general accounting, and ERP administration.
• Manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with global reporting standards and corporate reporting to parent companies a plus.
• High proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools, ideally with exposure to Power BI.
• Strong business acumen with an ownership mentality and ability to drive change.
• Collaborative, inquisitive, and highly proactive leadership style.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus program (up to 25% of base salary)
• 100% employer-paid medical premiums and HSA contributions
• 401(k) with generous employer match
• Opportunities for growth into senior leadership or executive finance roles

Why Apply?

This is more than a finance role - it’s a launchpad for ambitious leaders who want to make a visible impact on a growing organization. You’ll report directly to executive leadership and have direct exposure to key decision-makers globally. If you’re ready to leave behind traditional finance roles and step into a true business advisory position, this is your chance.

About Blue Signal: 

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in finance & accounting recruiting. We have a strong reputation for finding top talent in private equity, asset management, financial services, FinTech, and accounting leadership. Learn more at bit.ly/3IKiOzm