Cost Analyst

A food manufacturer is seeking an Interim Cost Analyst to partner closely with Operations, Production, Planning, and Finance to help drive visibility into manufacturing costs, operational efficiency, and profitability. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who enjoys spending time on the production floor, analyzing data, identifying cost drivers, and partnering with operations leaders to improve performance. Key Responsibilities Analyze manufacturing costs, labor utilization, overhead spending, and production variances. Perform standard costing and variance analysis across materials, labor, and overhead. Partner closely with production, planning, and operations teams to understand manufacturing performance. Evaluate production runs and analyze expected versus actual output and yield. Investigate cost variances and provide clear explanations and recommendations to management. Monitor inventory consumption, material usage, and operational efficiency metrics. Develop and maintain cost reports, dashboards, and analytical models. Support overhead absorption analysis and manufacturing planning activities. Identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and process improvement initiatives. Spend significant time on the production floor observing operations and gathering data to support analysis. Qualifications 3+ years of cost accounting, cost analysis, manufacturing finance, or related experience. Experience in a manufacturing or CPG environment strongly preferred. Strong understanding of: Standard costing Manufacturing variance analysis Inventory and production reporting Labor and overhead cost analysis Advanced Excel skills required. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central required. Experience with BPC is a plus. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr