Entry Level Process Improvement Jobs in Wisconsin

Description

 Background:

Northwest Hardwoods is the leading manufacturer of hardwood lumber in North America, as well as a leading supplier of panel products from around the world. A fully integrated, global supplier of wood products, NWH serves the furniture, flooring, cabinet, molding, and millwork industries. We are committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in everything we do.

We are currently seeking a full-time Operations Finance Specialist for our Dorchester, WI facility.

Position Summary:

The Operations Finance Specialist is responsible for supporting site operations through production reporting, lumber inventory support, operational data entry, basic financial recordkeeping, and administrative support. This role works closely with the Operations Finance Supervisor, site leadership, production teams, accounting, and operations finance partners to ensure accurate production, inventory, and operational information.

This is an entry-level opportunity for a motivated, detail-oriented individual who is interested in building a career in operations finance, manufacturing accounting, inventory control, and business administration. The ideal candidate is dependable, organized, accurate, willing to learn, and comfortable working in a manufacturing environment.

While the primary focus of the role is lumber and production support, this position may also provide limited backup support for log accounting, payroll, HR administration, and other site finance activities as trained.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Production Reporting & Operational Support

Provide general administrative support for site operations and finance activities

Enter, review, and verify production information within company systems

Maintain accurate records related to lumber production, inventory movement, and site activity

Review production data for accuracy, completeness, and potential discrepancies

Assist with daily, weekly, and month-end production reporting requirements

Work with production and site leadership to resolve reporting questions or data issues

Support accurate and timely communication of operational information to site and finance leadership

Develop an understanding of production flow, lumber processing, inventory movement, and operational cost drivers

Provide support for site payroll, HR administration, onboarding, offboarding, site events, and related administrative activities as trained

Provide limited backup support for log accounting activities as trained

Assist with other operational finance, administrative, and site support duties as assigned

Lumber Inventory & Reconciliation Support

Support lumber inventory tracking, reporting, and reconciliation activities

Enter and verify inventory transactions, adjustments, transfers, and related production activity

Assist with inventory counts, cycle counts, and physical inventory processes as needed

Help identify and research inventory discrepancies or unusual activity

Maintain accurate supporting documentation for inventory and production records

Support month-end inventory reporting and reconciliation processes

Assist in improving inventory accuracy, documentation, and reporting consistency

Financial & Accounting Support

Assist with basic bookkeeping and financial recordkeeping activities

Enter, verify, and reconcile financial and operational information within company systems

Support basic reporting related to production, lumber inventory, costs, and site activity

Assist with month-end close support by providing accurate records, reconciliations, and supporting documentation

Answer basic questions related to current and historical financial or operational transactions

Maintain confidentiality when handling financial, employee, supplier, and business information

Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

Use Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Great Plains, LIMS, inventory systems, production reporting systems, and other company systems to complete assigned work

Learn production reporting, lumber inventory, bookkeeping, and operational finance processes

Follow established procedures and ask questions when information is unclear or incomplete

Identify opportunities to improve accuracy, organization, reporting, and process efficiency

Support continuous improvement efforts by maintaining accurate data and providing timely information

Participate in process improvement, reporting, and documentation efforts as assigned

Requirements

 Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or GED

Experience and/or training in bookkeeping, accounting, finance, business administration, inventory, production reporting, or related administrative work

Basic understanding of bookkeeping principles, inventory concepts, or financial recordkeeping

Basic to intermediate Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills

Intermediate math skills and ability to perform accurate calculations

Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, reconciliation, and recordkeeping

Strong organizational and time management skills

Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial, employee, supplier, and business information

Proactive and self-motivated with a willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities

Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with employees, site leadership, production teams, vendors, and internal business partners

Preferred Qualifications:

1-2 years of relevant bookkeeping, accounting, finance, inventory, administrative, or business operations experience

Associate degree or higher in Accounting, Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field

Experience with Microsoft Excel pivot tables or similar reporting tools

Experience with Microsoft Great Plains, LIMS, inventory systems, production reporting systems, or similar software

Experience in lumber inventory, production reporting, manufacturing, wood products, or industrial business operations

Understanding of sawmill, lumber processing, inventory flow, or manufacturing processes

Exposure to log accounting or log inventory processes preferred but not required

Demonstrated interest in career growth within operations finance, inventory control, production support, or accounting