Join Us as a Senior Specialist – Manufacturing Finance Finance Department – Caracal Light Ammunition (CLA), EDGE GroupBe part of Caracal’s operational excellence by driving financial performance within our manufacturing environment. As a Senior Specialist in Manufacturing Finance, you will play a pivotal role in budgeting, cost control, product costing, and financial analysis—supporting data-driven decision-making that enhances efficiency, profitability, and strategic alignment across production operations. Key Accountabilities Financial Planning & Budgeting Develop, manage, and monitor budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans for manufacturing operations. Conduct cost modeling and financial projections to support strategic decision-making. Align financial targets with production goals through structured planning frameworks. Cost Management & Product Costing Lead detailed analysis of manufacturing and absorption cost variances, identifying root causes and recommending actions. Ensure accurate product costing, capturing all direct and indirect costs to support pricing and profitability. Drive cost optimization initiatives and contribute to working capital efficiency. Financial Reporting & Analysis Prepare and present financial reports, including KPIs, variance analysis, and performance insights. Maintain financial data integrity in ERP systems (SAP/Oracle), ensuring accurate reporting and traceability. Support internal and external audits, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and corporate standards. Operational Collaboration Work closely with manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, procurement, and quality to align operational and financial objectives. Provide actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste, and improve resource utilization. Partner with cross-functional teams to support production planning and inventory control. Process Improvement & Controls Implement and enhance internal controls to safeguard financial assets and processes. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across finance and manufacturing workflows. Support digital transformation initiatives related to financial systems and reporting. Leadership & Support Mentor junior finance team members to support capability building. Act as a financial advisor to operational leaders, ensuring decisions are aligned with financial targets. Requirements General Competencies Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent planning, organization, and time-management abilities Effective communication and stakeholder engagement High attention to detail and accuracy Ability to work under pressure and adapt to operational priorities Specific Job Competencies Expertise in cost accounting and manufacturing finance Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP/Oracle) and financial modeling tools Strong knowledge of inventory management, absorption costing, and variance analysis Understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain flows, and production economics Advanced skills in financial reporting, forecasting, and budgeting Experience & QualificationsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (Master’s preferred) Professional certifications such as CPA or CMA are highly desirable Experience: 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, or FP&A roles Proven background in budgeting, cost analysis, and financial planning within a production environment Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) is essential Strong understanding of manufacturing workflows, bill of materials (BOM), and supply chain finance Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams