Cost Accounting Analyst - SOM

Job Summary:

The Cost Accounting Analyst at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM) will be responsible for designing and developing Cost Accounting Methodology, Cost Allocation Models Development, Activity Based Costing (ABC), standard costing practices, Cost Driver Analysis and Cost Model Governance. They are responsible for assessing, monitoring, and analyzing organizational expenses to support strategic financial planning and operational efficiency. This role reviews financial records, researches market rates and cost trends, collaborates with the finance team, and provides analytical support. The Cost Accounting Analyst will play a key role in identifying cost-saving opportunities, improving cost accounting processes, enhancing data integrity, and supporting data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and maintain cost accounting systems, including cost allocation methodologies, cost allocation models, activity-based costing (ABC) frameworks and controls, to ensure accurate cost assignment and financial reporting.
• Develop and implement activity-based cost reporting aligned with school initiatives and operational objectives.
• Create, analyze, and maintain cost standards; prepare periodic cost updates based on actual operational data.
• Identify, analyze, and quantify cost drivers across programs, services and business processes; perform detailed variance analysis (standard vs actual) and investigate root causes.
• Recommend and support corrective actions to improve cost accuracy, operational performance, and cost efficiency.
• Develop cost forecasts using historical operational data, market trends, forecasting methods, and operational inputs.
• Monitor expenditures and assist departments in developing and maintaining periodic cost standards, cost drivers and allocation assumptions based on operational data.
• Provide cost insights to support department planning.
• Support financial analysis by reviewing operational data, preparing reports, dashboards presentations, and responding to ad hoc requests. Support audits and compliance reviews related to cost accounting processes and methodologies. Participate in special projects related to cost studies, benchmarking, ad-hoc analysis and perform additional duties as assigned.
• Utilize enterprise financial system to extract financial data, perform model testing to ensure integrity of costing methodology.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify cost optimalization and savings opportunities, evaluate spending patterns, and improve costing practices. This includes market pricing research, vendor rates, and industry benchmarks.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and financial policies related to cost accounting.

Basic Qualifications:

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years Cost Accounting or related business experience.

Education

• Bachelors degree in Accounting, Business, or related field.

License, Certification, Registration

• N/A

Additional Requirements:

• Advanced knowledge of cost accounting methodologies and general accounting principles, including the ability to apply concepts within assigned functional areas.
• Experience with cost accounting methodologies and the ability to translate operational and volume drivers into financial insights.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data, draw conclusions, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Proficiency in Excel and experience working with large datasets and data analysis tools.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact across multiple levels of the organization.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and drive projects across cross-functional teams.
• Foundational analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) years cost accounting or related business experience.
• Three (3) years of experience providing technical leadership in developing cost accounting frameworks.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)