Financial Planning & Cost Accountant (New Ulm)

If you are interested in becoming an Employee Owner read on...

Windings Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company where every team member shares in our success. Since becoming an ESOP in 1998 weve proudly supported critical industries like Aerospace Defense Automotive and Medical. Our unique ESOP benefits can contribute 10-12% of your annual earnings to your retirementat no cost to youhelping your savings grow through compound interest.

For over 60 years Windings has provided critical custom motors and components for the harshest applications including outer space military downhole drilling and motor sports to name a few. If you like to take on the tough stuff join us and be part of a forward-thinking people-focused company driven by our purpose: Making our Customers Critical Mission Possible.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Financial Planning and Cost Accountant to join our finance team. This role is responsible for driving financial planning budgeting forecasting and cost analysis to support informed decision-making and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills a deep understanding of management accounting principles and the ability to communicate financial insights effectively across departments.

What you will be responsible for...

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A):

• Develop and maintain financial models to support budgeting forecasting and long-term planning.
• Analyze financial performance and variances against budget and forecast.
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to senior management based on financial data.
• Collaborate with department heads to align financial plans with business objectives

Cost Accounting:

• Maintain and analyze cost records and prepare cost reports for management.
• Monitor and report on manufacturing or operational costs including labor materials and overhead.
• Conduct margin analysis and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure accurate allocation of costs and compliance with internal controls and accounting standards.

Reporting & Compliance:

• Prepare monthly quarterly and annual financial reports.
• Support internal and external audits by providing relevant documentation and analysis.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and company policies.

Process Improvement:

• Identify and implement improvements in financial processes and systems.
• Support ERP system enhancements related to cost accounting and financial planning.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Budget Accuracy: Variance between forecasted and actual financial results within 5%.
• Cost Reduction Initiatives: Achieve targeted cost savings (e.g. 35% annually) through process improvements and cost analysis.
• Timeliness of Reporting: Deliver monthly financial reports within 5 business days of month-end.
• Forecasting Precision: Maintain forecasting accuracy within a 95% confidence interval.
• Audit Readiness: Zero major findings in internal or external audits related to cost accounting or financial planning.
• Process Efficiency: Reduction in time spent on manual reporting tasks by 20% through automation or system improvements.
• Stakeholder Satisfaction: Positive feedback from department heads and senior leadership on financial insights and support.

What you need...

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or a related field (CPA CMA preferred).
• 35 years of experience in financial planning analysis and cost accounting.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and financial modeling; experience with ERP systems (e.g. Syspro and NetSuite) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

What you will get...

• An awesome employee-ownership culture
• Full benefits package (medical dental vision disability life and more)
• Paid time off
• 401k match and ESOP contributions
• Flexible work environment
• Education reimbursement

Salary Description:

$75000 - $90000 annual DOQ

We are committed to providing pay ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience qualifications location and internal equity considerations. The listed pay range is provided in good faith and is subject to adjustments in accordance with company policies and market conditions.

This position is eligible to participate in a performance-based bonus program based on company performance goals. Bonus payouts are not guaranteed and are determined at the companys discretion.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. Specific vision ability by this job includes close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Requirements:

Because employees in this position must handle information covered by the International Trade and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) successful applicants will be: (1) required to verify their identity and their status as a U.S. citizen or national U.S. lawful permanent resident or person granted refugee or asylee status (or equivalent) in the U.S.; OR (2) undergo additional steps including but not limited to licensure from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and/or the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Windings is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age sex race color religion national origin age marital status political affiliation sexual orientation gender identity genetic information disability or protected Veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

No Soliciting

Windings will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to Windings job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Windings Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Windings Talent Acquisition team.