The Capital Expenditure Claim Audit Manager is responsible for leading, supervising, and performing audits of supplier cancellation and change-related claims involving capitalized assets and capital-related cost exposures. This role provides both hands-on audit execution and day-to-day leadership of CapEx claim auditors, while serving as a subject-matter resource for complex, high-value, or disputed claims.
The Manager plays a critical role in CAPEX governance, including oversight of asset classification, fixed and labor cost authorization, and contract commitment controls. This individual partners closely with Purchasing, Engineering, Finance, and suppliers to ensure supplier claims are appropriately classified, authorized, supported, and contractually committed in accordance with Company policy and contractual requirements.
In addition to supervising audit staff, the Manager is expected to independently perform audits, lead complex or escalated matters, review workpapers, ensure audit quality and consistency, and communicate results to management.
Job Responsibilities:- Audit Leadership & Execution
- Supervise, coach, and review the work of Capital Expenditure Claim Auditors
- Independently perform audits of complex, high-value, or high-risk supplier claims
- Ensure audits are executed consistently, efficiently, and in accordance with established methodologies and quality standards
- Review and approve audit workpapers, evidence, and conclusions
- Supplier Claim Audit & Validation
- Lead and perform end-to-end audits of supplier cancellation and change-related claims involving capitalized assets
- Evaluate claims related to production tooling, manufacturing equipment, capitalized inventories, and other supplier-held assets
- Perform and oversee substantive testing to assess allowability, accuracy, and contractual compliance
- Exercise professional judgment on disputed or ambiguous claim elements
- CAPEX Governance & Controls
- Evaluate compliance with CAPEX governance requirements, including:
- Asset classification (capital vs. non-capital)
- Approved investment scope, timing, and thresholds
- Fixed cost and labor cost authorization
- Assess the effectiveness of contract commitment controls, including alignment with purchase orders, contracts, amendments, and termination provisions
- Identify systemic issues, control gaps, or recurring risks and escalate as appropriate
- On-Site Verification & Stakeholder Engagement
- Perform and oversee on-site verification at supplier locations, including physical inspection of tooling, equipment, inventories, and capital assets
- Lead interactions with suppliers on disputed claims and support fact-based resolution discussions
- Partner with Purchasing, Engineering, and Finance leadership on complex claim matters and escalations
- Reporting & Management Communication
- Prepare and review management-level audit reports summarizing findings, conclusions, and recommended settlements
- Communicate audit results, trends, and key risks to management and senior stakeholders
- Support leadership in discussions related to claim resolution, provisioning, and governance improvements
- Travel requirements up to 30%, focused primarily in the Midwest
Basic Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree with emphasis in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related discipline
- Minimum of seven years' experience in a related field (Audit, Finance, Purchasing, Capital Investment, Tooling, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or Cost Engineering)
- Prior experience leading or supervising audit or analytical work, either formally or informally
Preferred Qualifications:- Experience leading audits or reviews involving supplier claims, capital expenditures, tooling, or fixed-asset-related costs
- Strong working knowledge of CAPEX governance, asset classification, and cost authorization controls
- Solid understanding of commercial contracts and supplier commitments
- Demonstrated ability to lead while remaining hands-on in complex audit work
- Strong project and people management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with management and external suppliers
- Ability to exercise independent professional judgment in high-risk, high-value, or contentious situations
