THE OPPORTUNITY

• Do you enjoy being a strategic and hands-on accounting, finance, and human resources leader in a manufacturing environment?
• Are you motivated by the opportunity to step into a succession planning role that will partner with leadership to modernize processes and systems, strengthen controls, and shape the financial future of the organization?
• Are you interested in partnering with executive leadership to optimize accounting and financial insights?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Obara Corporation (Obara) is a leading North America manufacturer specializing in advanced welding systems. The organization is part of Obara Group, which is based in Yamato, Japan with operations across North America, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, and Asia and publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company’s global reach and technological leadership make it a trusted partner in manufacturing operations.

Obara is known for its engineering precision, operational discipline, and long-standing customer partnerships. With decades of expertise, Obara develops and supplies cutting-edge resistance welding machines, tools, and accessories used extensively in automotive manufacturing with recognizable customers such as Toyota, Mazda, Ford, and Tesla. Obara is committed to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that drive efficiency, precision, and reliability for its customers.

This position is at the US corporate office in Erlanger, Kentucky and onsite full-time.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

This role is a succession planning opportunity due to an upcoming retirement. This role will begin as Senior Manager Accounting and Finance and transition into the VP Accounting and Finance role following a structured training and handoff period. Initially reporting to the incumbent, and ultimately to the President, this position will own North America accounting, finance, and human resource operations.

As a key partner to executive leadership and operations, this role ensures accurate financial reporting and analysis, strong internal controls, and insightful analysis to support decision-making across the business. This role will be responsible for:

Accounting Operations and Cost Accounting

• Oversee all accounting operations including a team of three direct reports.
• Partner with operations to identify cost savings, pricing insights, and process improvements.
• Maintain and enhance order costing systems and analyze manufacturing variances.
• Ensure accurate inventory accounting and support physical inventory counts. 

Financial Leadership and Reporting

• Set priorities, manage performance, and foster accountability within the team.
• Lead month-end close and prepare accurate balance sheet and income statement.
• Deliver timely, accurate financial reports and analysis to leadership.
• Build and maintain budgets, forecasts, and rolling projections.
• Present financial insights and variance analysis to support strategic decisions.

Systems, Controls and Compliance

• Own ERP accounting modules, ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and process efficiency.
• Lead accounting-related process improvements in coordination with IT.
• Implement and enforce internal controls documentation.
• Coordinate external audits and support CPA firm in preparing federal, state, and local tax filings. Prepare supporting schedules such as inventory capitalization.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner closely with operations on capital projects and operational initiatives.
• Report financial results as required to the parent company in Japan.
• Support affiliated entities in Mexico and Brazil on financial reporting and accounting matters.
• Convert Mexico financials to USD to send to CPA firm.

Human Resources Administration

• Oversee payroll administration and benefits coordination.
• Maintain human resources compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and employee recordkeeping.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred but not required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience in a manufacturing environment with 5+ years of experience supervising and developing team members.
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and experience with month-end close, financial reporting, and cost accounting.
• Proficient in ERP systems and streamlining accounting processes. Experience with ERP upgrades/implementations is a plus.
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g. pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data filters, and sorts).
• Experience managing human resources is preferred but not required.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Hands-on and accountable: Comfort owning both transactional detail and strategic insights.
• Analytical: Translates manufacturing and cost data into clear, actionable insights.
• Process-oriented: Sees opportunities to strengthen systems, controls, and data integrity.
• Collaborative: Builds trust with operations, leadership, and global stakeholders.

THE PAYOFF

• Make an impact: Step into a senior leadership role where your financial insights directly shape company strategy and results.
• Build for the future: Lead the development of scalable, compliant financial systems that grow with the business.
• Rewarding package: Enjoy a competitive total compensation and benefits package.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you are drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.