Senior Manager Finance Operations

Job Summary

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic finance leader to support our Products and Engineering teams within our Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls segment. This experienced finance professional will be responsible for the execution, accuracy, and continuous improvement of financial operations processes, including monthly close, forecasting, and reporting. This role leads a team of professionals focused on delivering timely, standardized, and scalable support across the finance function. By ensuring the integrity of financial processes and data, this position enables Strategic Finance Advisors (SFAs) and Forecast Operations to focus on decision-making and forward-looking analysis. The role requires strong process orientation, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to manage both people and systems in a dynamic, matrixed environment. This is a hybrid position with opportunities for on-site collaboration across our Electronics footprint.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Ensures the accuracy and integrity of monthly income statements by standardizing and overseeing the month-end close process. Reviews and approves journal entries and financial outputs. Partners with Strategic Finance Advisors to validate results and respond to data and analysis needs.
• Leads the continuous improvement and documentation of finance operations processes, including close, reporting, and transaction support. Maintains reporting hierarchies (cost centers, products) and templates to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Supports the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process through coordination of inputs, reporting of key metrics (e.g., new product vitality), and preparation for Portfolio Management Reviews (PMRs) or similar operating rhythms.
• Manages and develops a team of financial managers, analysts or specialists. Provides ongoing process training and coaching. Tracks performance metrics and drives resolution of recurring issues through root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Provides timely and structured responses to ad hoc operational finance requests from Finance leadership or business partners.

Skills and Minimum Experience Required

• Ability to build trusted partnerships with Strategic Finance Advisors and collaborate effectively across Finance Operations                                 
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and drive execution of structured, repeatable deliverables in a matrixed environment
• Strong coordination and communication skills for working with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., FP&A, Accounting, Engineering, Sales, Operations)
• Proficient in identifying, structuring, and solving process or data challenges; able to synthesize financial information into actionable insights
• Effective at managing through ambiguity, resolving recurring issues, and driving continuous improvement in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing and delivering content in Excel, PowerPoint, and other mediums
• Advanced technical skills in Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, and ERP platforms (e.g., Oracle, OneStream), with strong understanding of US GAAP and comfort operating in compliance-driven environments
• Strong understanding of US GAAP
• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
• 6 to 8 years of work experience and 2+ years of experience managing a team   

Preferred Skills and Experience

• MBA or CPA preferred
• Manufacturing, preferred industry experience

Physical Requirements

Sedentary Work – Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.  Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Jobs are sedentary if walking or standing is required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Travel Requirements

• Domestic and/or International
• 25-50%