Cost and Accounting Analyst

VSE

Pittsburgh, PA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Accounting, Accounting Close, Accounting Policies, Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Cargo/Freight, Corrective Action, Cost Accounting, Cost Analysis, Cost Reporting, Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), Cross-Functional, Data Analysis, Data Modeling, Data Processing, Data Quality, Detail Oriented, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Ecosystems, Equipment Selection, FIFO, Finance, Financial Analysis, Financial Operations, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), Financial Statements, Forecasting, General Ledger Accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Gross Margin, Healthcare, Inventory Costing, Inventory Costs, Inventory Cycle Counts, Inventory Levels, Inventory Management, Inventory Reports, Inventory Turns, Journal Entries, Legal, Logistics, NetSuite, Physical Inventory, Pivot Tables, Pricing, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Purchasing/Procurement, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Operations, Systems Administration/Management, Team Building, Time Management, Trend Analysis, Variance Analysis, Vehicle Fleets
LOCATION
Pittsburgh, PA
POSTED
1 day ago

The Cost and Accounting Analyst supports Wheeler Fleet Solutions' ongoing operational transformation focused on modernizing finance and supply chain capabilities through the implementation of a best-of-breed ERP ecosystem and expanded AI-enabled technologies. This role is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and validating financial data to ensure accurate gross profit reporting, identify discrepancies, and support corrective actions. The position contributes to improved data integrity, process automation, and the delivery of timely, actionable financial insights that support scalable and forward-looking financial operations across the organization.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Responsibilities include, but are not limited to):

Inventory & Cost Accounting

  • Maintain and monitor inventory valuation under FIFO methodology, ensuring accurate cost layering and cost of goods sold
  • Reconcile inventory subledger to general ledger on a monthly basis
  • Analyze and validate purchase costs, landed costs, and freight-in allocations
  • Review and investigate inventory adjustments, write-offs, and obsolescence reserves
  • Support periodic cycle counts and physical inventory counts, including variance analysis
Cost Analysis & Margin Insights
  • Prepare and analyze gross margin reporting by product, customer, and channel
  • Identify drivers of margin variance including:
    • Purchase price changes
    • Freight and logistics costs
    • Vendor rebates and incentives
  • Perform variance analysis between actual and expected cost trends
  • Provide actionable insights on:
    • Pricing decisions
    • Inventory mix and turns
Month-End Close & Reporting
  • Support month-end close with:
    • Inventory journal entries
    • COGS adjustments and accruals
    • Inventory reserve analysis
  • Prepare monthly cost and inventory reporting packages for management
  • Assist in financial statement flux explanations related to inventory and margin
Process & Controls
  • Maintain and improve cost accounting processes, data integrity, and internal controls
  • Ensure proper classification of:
    • Inventory vs. expense
    • Freight and handling costs
  • Partner with IT/ERP teams to support inventory and costing system configuration
  • Assist with audit support (inventory, COGS, and controls)
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work with supply chain and operations to:
    • Validate inventory movements and costing accuracy
    • Improve three-way match and purchasing data quality
  • Partner with FP&A to support:
    • Forecasting of gross margin and inventory levels
  • Support initiatives to improve:
    • Inventory turns
    • Working capital management
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
    • Or an additional 4 years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree
  • 3-5 years of experience in:
    • Cost accounting, inventory accounting, or distribution finance
  • Strong understanding of:
    • FIFO inventory accounting
    • GAAP inventory valuation
  • Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite, Infor M3, or similar preferred)
  • Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, modeling, data analysis)
KEY COMPETENCIES:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • High attention to detail and data integrity
  • Ability to explain cost drivers to non-finance partners
  • Process-oriented with a focus on controls and scalability
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, operationally driven environment
OTHER:
  • The selected applicant will be subject to a background check and drug testing.
Wheeler Fleet Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

At Wheeler Fleet Solutions, we don't just hire employees-we invest in careers and champion well-being. Our people are the driving force behind our success, and we're dedicated to fostering an environment where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

Here's how we support our team:
  • Time Off & Well-Being: Generous Paid Time Off to recharge, plus an Employee Assistance Program for you and your family.
  • Family Support: Paid Maternity Leave and Paid Bonding Leave to support growing families.
  • Education: Tuition Reimbursement for undergraduate, technical, and graduate programs.
  • Financial Security: A 401(k) plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you healthy.
  • Flexibility: HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care accounts for added financial options.
  • Peace of Mind: Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance coverage.
  • Rewarding Careers: Competitive salaries that reflect your skills, contributions, and expertise.

Join Us.
When you choose Wheeler Fleet Solutions, you're choosing a company that values you as much as your work. Together, we'll take your career to new heights while supporting your well-being every step of the way.

Your future begins here. Apply today!

About the Company

V

VSE

RAISE THE BAR

At VSE, we believe in celebrating our vibrant 60-year history of delivering exceptional value while continuously raising the bar for our land, sea, and air customers. From excellence in service for our federal and commercial customers to creating a culture of accountability and growth for our employees to consistently delivering and improving for our partners and stakeholders, the VSE family of companies share a commitment to not just meeting expectations, but exceeding them. VSE is your partner for success in your critical missions on land, sea, and air.

COMPANY SIZE
2,500 to 4,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Aerospace and Defense
FOUNDED
1959
WEBSITE
https://www.vsecorp.com/about.html