Cost Analyst

Position Summary:

The Cost Analyst supports the Sr. Plant Controller by preparing, analyzing, and maintaining accurate cost accounting, inventory, and manufacturing financial information. This position assists with month-end close, standard costing, cost roll activities, inventory valuation, variance analysis, reporting, and process improvement. The role is responsible for producing timely and reliable financial data, investigating cost drivers, supporting cross-functional business partners, and helping improve the accuracy, efficiency, and consistency of cost accounting processes across the organization.

Responsibilities: Essential Duties

• Support month-end close activities, including review and correction of production orders, recording of COGS and WIP activity, and analysis of production order variances.
• Prepare weekly and monthly inventory reporting and assist with inventory valuation, reserve analysis, and reconciliation activities.
• Calculate and maintain excess and obsolete inventory reserves in accordance with company policy and accounting requirements.
• Assist with quarterly and annual cost roll processes, including new part costing, standard cost updates, and validation of material, labor, overhead, freight, duty, and other cost components.
• Research purchase price variances, production variances, inventory adjustments, and other cost-related fluctuations; summarize findings and proposed corrective actions.
• Support analysis of product group profitability, manufacturing expenses, non-manufacturing expenses, and plant operating performance.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking to support plant leadership, Finance, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
• Assist with departmental rate calculations and cost allocation analysis for Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and related support functions.
• Maintain and improve cost accounting records, supporting documentation, and system data integrity within ERP and reporting tools.
• Partner with Business Intelligence, Finance, and operational teams to improve reporting, automate recurring analyses, and enhance dashboard functionality.
• Support forecasts, budgets, and ad hoc financial analyses related to manufacturing costs, inventory, expenses, and cost savings initiatives.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests by preparing schedules, reconciliations, explanations, and supporting documentation.
• Comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company accounting policies, internal controls, and financial reporting deadlines.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost control, data accuracy, and reporting efficiency within the cost accounting function.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Expertise: Knowledge & Skills

• Strong working knowledge of cost accounting, inventory accounting, standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing finance concepts.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, data validation, and recurring financial analysis templates.
• Experience using ERP systems, preferably Epicor, and reporting tools such as Power BI or similar business intelligence platforms.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to investigate variances and explain financial results clearly.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate with Finance, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and leadership teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3-5 years of accounting, cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or related experience.
• Experience with ERP systems; Epicor experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel; experience with Power BI, Access, or similar reporting tools preferred.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.

Desired:

• MBA, CMA, CPA, or progress toward professional certification.
• Prior experience in manufacturing, medical devices, life sciences, or regulated industry environment.
• Experience supporting cost roll processes, inventory reserves, audit requests, and cross-functional process improvement initiatives.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Responsibilities: Other Duties:

The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate