This role is responsible for delivering accurate and timely management reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and performance analysis, while providing ad hoc financial and commercial insights to support operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will have experience in a manufacturing setting and a deep understanding of cost control, margin analysis, and operational finance. Key Responsibilities: 1. Monthly Management Reporting Lead the preparation and delivery of monthly internal management accounts, including detailed variance analysis and executive commentary. Liaise with operational teams for input on reporting around production volumes, yields, waste, and overheads. Lead monthly review sessions with key operational stakeholders to review cost center performance and variances 2. Budgeting & Forecasting Manage the annual budgeting process across manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and support functions. Develop rolling forecasts to reflect changing production plans, raw material costs, and market dynamics. Partner with operations and procurement teams to forecast key input costs, including raw materials, packaging, and labor. 3. Performance Monitoring & Variance Analysis Track actual performance against budget and forecast. Analyse cost variances (e.g., materials usage, labor efficiency, production downtime) and collaborate with operations to drive improvements. Provide insight into gross margin trends, cost of goods sold (COGS), and contribution margins. Support functional teams with weekly or monthly performance analysis 4. Financial & Commercial Analysis Deliver ad hoc analysis to support pricing decisions, make-versus-buy evaluations, capital expenditure reviews, and profitability by SKU or customer segment. Conduct scenario analysis to assess the financial impact of operational and commercial decisions (e.g., new product launches, supplier changes, promotional campaigns). Partner with commercial and operations teams to support strategic initiatives and cost-saving opportunities. 5. Process Improvement & Controls Enhance reporting processes, systems, and controls to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Work closely with the production and inventory teams to maintain accurate standard costing and BOMs (Bill of Materials). Support internal and external audit requirements with robust documentation and analysis. Qualifications & Experience: Professional accounting qualification 5 years of experience in management accounting or FP&A, with at least 2 years in a manufacturing environment (FMCG preferred). Strong financial planning, budgeting, and cost accounting skills. Experience with ERP and manufacturing systems (e.g., Infor M3 (preferred), SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics); advanced Excel required. Familiarity with standard costing, variance analysis, and operational KPIs in a manufacturing context. Desirable Attributes: Commercial mindset with the ability to link financial performance to operational activity. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with cross-functional teams including operations, production, and sales. A continuous improvement approach, with the ability to identify inefficiencies and propose practical solutions. Comfortable working in a high-volume, fast-paced manufacturing environment with tight deadlines. By clicking 'apply', you give your express consent that Robert Half may use your personal information to process your job application and to contact you from time to time for future employment opportunities. For further information on how Robert Half processes your personal information and how to access and correct your information, please read the Robert Half privacy notice: https://www.roberthalf.com/au/en/privacy. Please do not submit any sensitive personal data to us in your resume (such as government ID numbers, ethnicity, gender, religion, marital status or trade union membership) as we do not collect your sensitive personal data at this time.