Finance Manager

At Cree, we’re always on. We believe that meaningful change happens through sheer force of will and the determination of a team solving a problem, and we’re unafraid to kick down the door to make it happen.

Cree is seeking a Finance Manager to lead the General Accounting team for Racine lighting location. This will include the development, installation, and monitoring of Racine planning, budgeting and analysis, development of a comprehensive project based Cost Reduction process, Departmental Operating expense development and reviews, freight accounting, and overall analysis and interpretation of financial information to operating leadership.

• Lead General Accounting function locally to drive consistency, efficiency and effectiveness throughout the business and across the organization
• Manage general ledger systems and inputs to improve information flows, ensuring they meet manufacturing and business support needs and meet all audit requirements through the utilization of internal systems
• Provide business unit functional leader’s analytical support for special projects and decisions (ie NPI support, Capital evaluations, margin analysis for product/pricing decisions, etc)
• Manage the development and optimization of a platform wide cost reduction program. Establish and monitor efficient, best in class procedures for the review/comparison of current costs versus cost reduction project estimates
• Manage, develop and maintain a team of professional staff providing clear direction, while motivating and engaging the team
• Provide and support the divisions, operations and corporate functions in product margin analysis
• Review Operations Departmental expense variances and provide consolidated reporting to control and analyze cost changes
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly and annual performance management process, including quarterly budget and annual AOP development.
• Responsible for complete and accurate account reconciliations for all applicable general ledger accounts and appropriate follow-up on significant reconciling items.
• Plan and execute year-end audit activities for non manufacturing and warehousing functions providing support to the external auditors
• Ensure compliance of all SOX 404 control procedures that the business is responsible for. Support the internal and external auditors in their testing of those controls
• Utilize audit processes and outcomes to drive improvement across the business. Analyze outcomes, identify gaps, recommend solutions and drive implementation across the

What you need for success:

• BA/BS in Accounting or Finance.
• 10-15 years of overall experience
• 4-5 years’ experience and success providing indirect leadership to projects and initiatives required. 3+ years’ direct supervisory/leadership experience desired
• Experience managing General Accounting functions
• Experience in Financial Planning and Analysis
• Proven continuous improvement mind-set with strong project management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills that can motivate, engage and guide individuals toward action and goal attainment
• Advanced knowledge/exposure to an enterprise wide system (Oracle preferred)
• Intermediate to advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical, accounting and problem solving skills
• Strong managerial perspective, highly motivated, mature and positive individual.
• Sound technical knowledge of accounting standards and exposure to or knowledge of SOX requirements
• Drive for – and proven success in driving – continued improvement of business, function, team and self.

Highly preferred skills and certifications:

• CPA/MBA/CMA preferred
• Big 4 Accounting firm experience preferred