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