Finance Director

About Hounen Solar America Hounen Solar America Inc. is a leading U.S.

-based manufacturer of high-quality photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. We are dedicated to advancing domestic solar production, innovation, and sustainability amid the renewable energy transition. As we scale manufacturing operations, we are seeking a strategic Finance Director to drive financial excellence in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

Job Summary The Finance Director will lead all aspects of financial operations for our solar manufacturing business, with a strong emphasis on cost management, manufacturing finance, compliance, and strategic planning. This role demands proven expertise in manufacturing cost structures (e.g., BOM analysis, variance reporting, overhead allocation), process optimization, and bilingual proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese to facilitate effective communication with international stakeholders, including Asian suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial planning & analysis (FP&A), monthly/quarterly closes, and accurate financial reporting in line with U.S. GAAP.
• Establish and enhance cost accounting practices specific to solar module manufacturing, including standard costing, actual vs. standard variance analysis, BOM management, inventory valuation, and production overhead allocation to drive accurate product costing and margin insights.
• Provide strategic financial guidance to leadership on profitability by product line, pricing optimization, capital expenditure decisions (e.g., production line expansions, equipment investments), and ROI evaluations in a capital-intensive manufacturing setting.
• Manage cash flow, working capital (with focus on inventory and supply chain dynamics), treasury functions, and financing strategies to support operational growth.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance, including tax filings, internal controls, and audit readiness; serve as primary contact for external auditors and financial institutions.
• Collaborate closely with operations, procurement, engineering, and production teams to identify cost-saving opportunities, support lean manufacturing initiatives, and improve overall operational efficiency.
• Lead overall process improvement efforts within finance and across cross-functional areas, including automation of financial processes, ERP enhancements (e.g., SAP/Oracle integration), implementation of best-practice controls, and continuous improvement projects to streamline reporting, reduce cycle times, and enhance data accuracy.
• Conduct risk assessments, monitor key manufacturing KPIs (e.g., cost per watt, yield variances, inventory turns), and implement corrective actions to mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Act as the primary bilingual liaison (English/Mandarin) for financial matters with international teams, suppliers, and affiliates to ensure seamless cross-border coordination.
• Build and mentor a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, analytical rigor, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field; MBA, CPA, CMA, or CFA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, including 5–7+ years in senior roles (e.g., Finance Director, Controller) within manufacturing (ideally solar/renewables, electronics).
• Deep expertise in manufacturing cost accounting, including BOMs, variance analysis, absorption costing, overhead allocation, and cost control in production environments.
• Proven track record in driving process improvements, financial automation, and operational efficiency initiatives (e.g., ERP optimizations, lean finance practices).
• Proficiency with manufacturing-focused ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced financial modeling in Excel or similar tools.
• Fluency in English and Mandarin Chinese (spoken and written) – essential for effective collaboration with global teams and suppliers.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills; ability to translate complex financial data into actionable recommendations for non-finance stakeholders.
• High integrity, detail orientation, and adaptability in a growth-oriented, manufacturing-driven organization.