Associate Director - Industrial: Manufacturing & Distribution - Private Equity Advisory

Overview

This role supports private equity portfolio companies by partnering with clients to deliver tailored, integrated solutions. The work focuses on operational enhancements and building scalable accounting and finance capabilities that support investment thesis goals.

As an Associate Director, you will balance client delivery, leading teams, developing junior team members, and participating in business development.

Responsibilities

• Serve clients across the “Office of the CFO” at private equity portfolio companies specializing in manufacturing and distribution by evaluating current practices and recommending improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of accounting, finance, and operations functions.
• Provide expert advice on inventory management strategies, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
• Help develop and operationalize US-GAAP compliant inventory accounting policies, including:
  • capitalization thresholds
  • reserve methodology
  • month-end close procedures
• Design, implement, and optimize standard costing systems with project teams to help management teams understand product-level profitability.
• Develop and implement frameworks for budgeting, cost control, and performance evaluation by comparing actual costs to standard costs, identifying variances, and advising on corrective actions to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Build and maintain relationships with portfolio company representatives and private equity sponsors; collaborate with team members to scope, clarify, and deliver excellent client service.
• Contribute to developing and implementing firm-approved, AI-enabled solutions in accordance with company policies on data protection, intellectual property, and professional standards.
• Stay current on emerging AI tools and techniques and collaborate with leadership to identify compliant opportunities to enhance client solutions and internal processes.
• Participate in business development opportunities and market a full range of services to prospective clients, using existing relationships to generate new opportunities.
• Mentor team members by coaching colleagues, providing ongoing feedback and annual performance reviews, and helping project teams resolve multi-faceted issues.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in both inventory operations and accounting, with deep understanding of plant controllership responsibilities.
• Ability to drive improvements and optimize performance across manufacturing and distribution operations.
• Strong background in cost accounting, including:
  • standard costing
  • activity-based costing
  • variance analysis
• FP&A experience: 9+ years’ experience in FP&A, preferably in a Private Equity backed company.
• Manufacturing/distribution industry experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build and develop strong client relationships.
• Experience communicating with Controller group and accounting teams, including fluent knowledge of the drivers and main elements of:
  • income statement
  • balance sheet
  • statement of cash flow
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel (e.g., macros, pivot tables, etc.) and PowerPoint.
• Comfort exploring and adopting firm-approved AI tools to enhance productivity and innovation.
• Continuous learning mindset, including openness to learning and applying emerging technologies (including AI and automation) in alignment with firm policies and client standards.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior team members and supporting project teams with multi-faceted issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%; travel varies based on client preferences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems commonly used in manufacturing, such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics (plus, but not required).
• Knowledge of data analytics and related tools (e.g., Tableau, Alteryx, SQL) (plus, but not required).

Compensation & Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• Generous parental and maternity leave policies.
• Technology stipends.
• Wellness reimbursement programs.

Location

Travel up to 30%; travel varies based on client preferences.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The employer provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and is committed to complying with federal, state, and local laws. The employer prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetics, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression or any other protected characteristic.