Sr. Cost Analyst

Senior Cost Analyst

Job Description

The Senior Cost Analyst will report to the Director, Operations Finance and play a critical role in managing standard cost systems, inventory valuation, financial reporting, and internal controls. This position is responsible for analyzing, interpreting, and communicating financial information across all levels of the organization while supporting operational decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in process manufacturing, standard costing, ERP systems, and financial controls, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage cost collection and application systems for manufacturing operations, including initial process definition and implementation
• Establish and maintain standard costs, including materials, labor, overhead, outside processing, and yields
• Oversee inventory valuation and controls, including physical inventories and cycle count programs at internal locations and external vendors
• Execute month-end close activities, including WIP valuation, inventory reconciliations, reserves, excess and obsolete inventory analysis, variance analysis, and production reporting
• Perform warranty analysis and ensure appropriate reserves are established
• Ensure compliance with SOX/internal control requirements, including cycle counts, WIP audits, and transaction integrity controls; remediate identified issues and support audits as needed
• Prepare and deliver internal reporting and analysis related to revenue, costs, variances, and gross margin performance
• Develop baseline financial models and analytical tools to support profitability improvements and business management
• Analyze manufacturing variances for accuracy and identify opportunities to reduce variances
• Utilize ERP and query tools to deliver standard and ad-hoc reporting and analysis
• Support management decision-making through financial modeling and ad-hoc analysis
• Assist with cost forecasting and capital planning; update actuals versus forecast on a monthly basis
• Provide key finance support for ERP system implementations and enhancements
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve workflow efficiency, processes, and internal controls
• Support additional projects and analytical requests as assigned by management

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting or operations finance
• Extensive knowledge of process manufacturing environments and standard costing methodologies
• Strong experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and transactional cost systems
• Up to 10% regional travel required