Director of Operations Finance
Skywater has partnered with this long-standing client for years, successfully placing more than 20 people across the business. We are now helping them find a Director of Finance Operations to lead plant-level financial management. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on accounting and operational finance. You will drive month-end close, variance analysis, forecasting, and AOP while partnering closely with plant operations to ensure financial discipline, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
As the company grows, this role will evolve. You will pivot from hands-on accounting to broader oversight and leadership while still staying connected to the day-to-day financial operations.
Local candidates in Minnesota will only be considered.
Responsibilities
Lead plant financial operations, including journal entries, accruals, and month-end close activities. Analyze and resolve process order variances, monitor scrap, throughput, and run rates. Prepare and review forecasts, budgets, and standards to guide operational and financial decision-making. Partner with plant managers to optimize costs, improve productivity, and maintain financial discipline. Lead and develop a team of controllers, promoting accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. Serve as the subject matter expert for SAP, activity rates, and cost accounting processes. Consolidate plant reporting, KPIs, and financial metrics to provide actionable insights. Support compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. Adapt as the company scales, maintaining hands-on involvement while shifting toward strategic oversight of plant finance.
Desired Skills and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA preferred. 10+ years of progressive experience in plant finance, cost accounting, or operational finance. 5+ years in a director-level, plant controller, or hands-on operational accounting role. Deep knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and financial reporting. Advanced experience with SAP and reporting/analytics tools such as Power BI. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills. Proven ability to lead teams, influence operations, and thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
