Manager -Industrial: Manufacturing & Distribution - Private Equity Advisory

Overview

This role supports private equity portfolio companies by partnering with clients and providing operational finance and accounting advisory services. You will collaborate with experienced leaders and a dedicated coach as part of a collaborative team focused on improving accounting and operational performance.

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 accounting, finance, and operations.
• Provide expert guidance on inventory management strategies, operational efficiency, and financial performance for private equity-owned portfolio companies.
• Help develop and operationalize US-GAAP compliant inventory accounting policies, including appropriate capitalization thresholds, reserve methodology, and month-end close procedures.
• Design, implement, and improve standard costing systems to support product-level profitability assessment.
• 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.
• Build and maintain relationships with portfolio company representatives and private equity sponsors, working with team members to scope, clarify, and deliver client service.
• Contribute to developing and implementing firm-approved, AI-enabled solutions for clients in accordance with policies on data protection, intellectual property, and professional standards.
• Stay current on emerging AI tools and techniques and collaborate with firm leadership to identify compliant opportunities to enhance client solutions and internal processes.
• Cultivate new client relationships and deepen existing ones.
• Mentor team members by coaching colleagues, providing ongoing feedback, and participating in annual performance reviews; help project teams resolve multi-faceted issues.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in plant controllership and/or FP&A, preferably in a Private Equity backed environment.
• Experience in operations analysis and cost accounting (including standard costing, activity-based costing, and variance analysis), with deep understanding of controllership responsibilities in a manufacturing/distribution environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive improvements and optimize performance across manufacturing and distribution operations.
• Experience working with Controller and accounting teams, with strong knowledge of key income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow drivers.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior team members and supporting project teams with multi-faceted issues.
• Demonstrated success building and developing strong client relationships.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., macros, pivot tables, etc.) and PowerPoint.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems commonly used in manufacturing, such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Comfort with AI, including demonstrated ability to responsibly explore and adopt firm-approved AI tools to enhance productivity and innovation.
• Continuous learning mindset with openness to learning and applying emerging technologies (including AI and automation) in alignment with firm policies and client standards.
• Knowledge of data analytics and related tools (e.g., Tableau, Alteryx, SQL) is a plus, but not required.
• Client Services experience (e.g., Audit, Advisory, Management Consulting) is a plus, but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Willingness to travel up to 50%; travel varies based on client preferences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a Private Equity backed environment.
• Knowledge of data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Alteryx, SQL).
• Client Services experience (e.g., Audit, Advisory, Management Consulting).

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 50%; travel varies based on client preferences.

Equal Employment Opportunity

This employer provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and 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. The employer also complies with pay transparency and labor laws applicable to terms and conditions of employment.