Director of Finance

Location: Greater Milwaukee Area (hybrid - monthly travel to company facilities or events)
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Starting at $115,000+ annually, with starting pay dependent upon education, experience, and qualifications.
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, and much more!

About Us:
At Nelson-Jameson, we’ve been a trusted partner in the food manufacturing industry since 1947. We provide high-quality products and innovative solutions that help businesses maintain top standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned company, we believe in accountability, teamwork, and growth—for our people and the business. We take pride in our close-knit, supportive culture where every team member has a voice and the chance to grow. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a team that works hard and stays optimistic, we’d love to have you join us!

Job Summary:
We’re looking for an experienced accounting leader who believes strong financial operations are built on capable teams, clear processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This role oversees people and processes across AR and AP, guiding the systems, controls, policies, and reporting that support accurate financial performance. You bring deep technical accounting expertise, are comfortable in an ERP environment, and know how to translate financial information into decisions. You lead with accountability and mentorship, create clarity in complex work, and build confidence in the data and systems your team uses every day.

The right person is tech-savvy, resourceful, highly detailed, and energized by finding better ways of doing things. You take ownership of the function, see opportunities where others see routine, and challenge the status quo in a constructive way. Rather than maintaining what exists, you evaluate what’s working, anticipate what needs to evolve, and strengthen processes that support the future. You’re motivated by creating durable solutions, guiding people to their potential, and leaving the function stronger than you found it.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team responsible for AR and AP, building a culture of accuracy, ownership, and continuous improvement.


• Set clear expectations, guide professional development, and strengthen the team’s technical accounting capabilities.


• Own accounting policies, controls, and procedures that support healthy cash flow, accurate reporting, and risk management.


• Oversee monthly and annual close processes, ensuring timely journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements.


• Translate financial performance into actionable insights, providing clear analysis of trends, variances, and opportunities.


• Manage tax filings, audits, fixed assets, and lease accounting in alignment with regulatory and internal requirements.


• Leverage ERP capabilities (P21 strongly preferred) to streamline processes, promote standardization, and automate routine work.


• Drive system enhancements and analytics initiatives that expand visibility into financial metrics and operational performance.


• Partner with finance leadership on strategic initiatives, contributing expertise that supports planning and business decisions.


• Lead special projects that strengthen operational accounting, modernize workflows, and support long-term scalability.

Why Nelson-Jameson?
At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You’ll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.

As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you’ll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.

With Nelson-Jameson, you’ll receive:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs


• 401(k) with company match


• Competitive Compensation: Starting at $115,000+ annually, with starting pay dependent upon education, experience, and qualifications.


• Annual discretionary bonus


• Paid time off at time of hire


• Annual allowance for company-branded clothing


• Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs


• Company-provided cell phone and credit card


• And much more!

Qualifications & Skills:

• Required:
  
  
  
  
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  
  
  • Experience: 10+ years in accounting, including leadership of accounting teams and operational processes.
  
  
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge, with experience in month-end close, reporting, internal controls, and compliance.
  
  
  • Proven ability to develop talent and lead through accountability, coaching, and clear expectations.
  
  
  • Demonstrated success improving processes and using ERP systems to drive efficiency (P21 strongly preferred).
  
  
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and effective at managing multiple priorities.
  
  
  • Clear communicator able to translate financial information into actionable insights.
  
  
  • Self-directed, resourceful, and energized by continuous improvement.
  
  
  • Ability to work onsite at our Wauwatosa, WI office on a regular cadence. Ability to visit our Corporate Office in Marshfield monthly, or as required by business needs. A regular in-office presence is required to ensure engagement with direct reports and cross-functional teams.
  
  
  
  


• Preferred:
  
  
  
  
  • Professional certification such as CPA, CMA, or similar.
  
  
  • Experience with data analytics tools (Power BI, EDA, or similar) to expand visibility into financial metrics.
  
  
  • Track record leading automation initiatives, system integrations, or accounting software evaluations.
  
  
  • Experience in operational accounting within a manufacturing or distribution environment.
  
  
  • Background in managing fixed assets, lease accounting (ASC 842), LIFO, and related technical accounting topics.
  
  
  • Prior leadership of complex change initiatives that modernized processes and improved team efficiency.
  
  
  
  

How to Apply:
If you’re ready to drive your career forward with a company that values hard work, safety, and excellent customer service, apply now on our career site!

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. and NEXT Logistics, LLC. are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status.