Finance Manager – Manufacturing & Operations Finance

A leading and well-established manufacturing organization with a strong market presence, modern production facilities, and a proven track record of growth is seeking a highly accomplished finance professional to join its senior management team.

This is a strategic leadership role offering the opportunity to work closely with the managing director and board of directors in driving financial performance, operational excellence, business growth, and long-term value creation.

This position offers an excellent career opportunity for an ambitious finance professional seeking a challenging leadership role within a dynamic manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will become a key member of the senior management team and contribute directly to the strategic direction and continued growth of the organization.

Reporting directly to the managing director and board of directors, the finance manager will be responsible for providing overall leadership of the finance function while serving as a key strategic partner to the business. The successful candidate will play a critical role in supporting organizational decision-making, enhancing operational efficiencies, strengthening financial controls, and ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

1. Lead and manage all finance, accounting, treasury, taxation, and compliance activities of the organization.
2. Prepare and present timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to the managing director and board of directors.
3. Drive budgeting, forecasting, business planning, and financial performance management processes.
4. Develop and maintain robust cost accounting systems and profitability analysis frameworks to support manufacturing operations.
5. Monitor and analyze factory performance, providing financial insights and recommendations to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
6. Manage cash flow, working capital, treasury functions, banking relationships, and funding requirements.
7. Ensure full compliance with all statutory, taxation, regulatory, and financial reporting obligations.
8. Liaise with external auditors, tax consultants, financial institutions, government authorities, and regulatory agencies.
9. Represent the organization at industry forums, professional bodies, and stakeholder engagements.
10. Lead ERP-related finance initiatives and support business process improvement and digital transformation projects.
11. Establish and maintain strong internal controls, governance frameworks, risk management practices, and audit processes.
12. Partner with senior leadership in evaluating strategic opportunities, investments, and business growth initiatives.

Requirements

1. Fully qualified chartered accountant (CA Sri Lanka).
2. Minimum 10 years of post-qualification experience in finance and accounting.
3. Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
4. Strong expertise in cost accounting, management accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, treasury management, and strategic financial planning.
5. Experience in flexible packaging, printing, FMCG, plastics, process manufacturing, or related industrial sectors will be a distinct advantage.
6. Governance, and statutory compliance requirements.
7. Experience in ERP systems, process optimization, and performance improvement initiatives.
8. Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
9. Ability to effectively engage with boards of directors, auditors, financial institutions, regulators, and external stakeholders.
10. Excellent command of English and Sinhala, both written and spoken.
11. Preferred age range: 35–50 years.
12. Candidates must be in a position to assume duties within one (1) month of accepting the offer of employment.

Benefits

An attractive remuneration package and performance-based incentives will be offered to the selected candidate, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and demonstrated achievements.

Probation and performance expectations

1. The selected candidate will be subject to a minimum probationary period of three (6) months.
2. During the probation period, the appointee will be required to demonstrate the ability to effectively perform the responsibilities associated with the position and deliver measurable results in the areas of financial management, operational support, compliance, reporting, and leadership.
3. Confirmation of employment will be subject to satisfactory performance and successful completion of the probationary period as determined by management and the board of directors.

When applying

Please forward your complete resume in PDF format with contact details of two non-related referees to [email protected] within 10 days of this advertisement quoting MSL Reference No. 8251 in the subject column.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.