Cost Analyst

DescriptionWe are looking for a Cost Analyst to join our finance team in Kansas City, Missouri. This role focuses on strengthening cost visibility, improving inventory-related reporting, and delivering analysis that supports pricing, planning, and operational decisions. The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical skills with business partnership experience to translate financial data into practical recommendations in a manufacturing environment. Comp up to $110k + profit sharing and flexible work environment! Please reach out to Molly Gardner at 816-601-1196Responsibilities:• Manage standard costing across materials, labor, and overhead while evaluating cost fluctuations and explaining the main factors affecting results.• Direct inventory accounting activities, including valuation reviews, reserve analysis, and assessment of slow-moving or obsolete stock.• Support the execution and accuracy of physical inventory counts and ongoing cycle count procedures in coordination with operational teams.• Work closely with operations, supply chain, and procurement partners to identify cost drivers and recommend opportunities to improve product economics and efficiency.• Contribute to annual budgeting, periodic forecasting, and long-term financial planning by building models and analyzing assumptions that influence performance.• Perform pricing, cost, and margin evaluations for current products and upcoming launches, and review actual outcomes against financial expectations after release.• Collaborate with business unit leadership during monthly financial reviews to interpret results, investigate variances, and provide actionable performance insights.• Assist with pricing strategy development by preparing detailed financial analysis and presenting findings to key stakeholders.• Partner with IT and other departments to improve business data collection processes and maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial information.Requirements• Experience in financial analysis within a manufacturing, operations, or product-based environment.• Strong capability in financial modeling, variance analysis, and ad hoc reporting.• Knowledge of standard costing methods, inventory accounting principles, and margin analysis.• Ability to analyze large data sets using data mining and financial reporting techniques.• Proven experience working cross-functionally with finance, operations, supply chain, procurement, and business leadership.• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain financial findings and recommendations clearly.• Proficiency in developing insights that support budgeting, forecasting, pricing, and strategic decision-making.Job typePerm