Senior Cost Analyst

POSITION OVERVIEW: Support the finance and accounting functions through strategic cost planning, operational performance monitoring, and data-driven reporting. Analyze sourcing and other product and operational costs by focusing on the drivers of cost variances (standard and budget versus actual) and working closely with the Operations team to manage and report on overall costs versus expectations and track and drive cost reduction and financial efficiency initiatives. Develop and maintain cost accounting models, contribute to budgeting and forecasting processes, and be responsible for utilizing appropriate cost accounting for product development, sourcing, distribution, and inventory-related activities.POSITION FUNCTIONS*PercentagePosition Functions50%Cost Analytics / Functional PartnershipLead the development of annual product cost and operational cost center budgeting and periodic forecastingRegularly analyze cost variances and investigate any material discrepancies to identify root causes, trends and other relevant insights and suggest potential improvementsAnalyze and develop estimated costs for new products and the cost impact to design, materials, sourcing, and distribution changes on existing productsPartner with the Operations team by providing cost variance opportunities/risk analyses, and track and help deliver product cost and other operational saving initiativesUpdate at least annually standard product costs and ensure accuracy of Bill of MaterialsAnalyze monthly purchase price variances, provide detailed root-cause analysis and assess impact on product cost standardsIdentify cost savings opportunities and recommend appropriate changes to processes and policies to reduce costs and increase profitabilitySupport by active participation and costing analysis the monthly S&OP processContinually seek opportunities to improve systems / processes for costing and reportingCommunicate and educate internal partners / management on relevant cost informationSupport ad-hoc analysis and other special projects as needed40%Cost Accounting and SystemsAssist in month and year-end financial closings by analyzing inventory and other operational expenses, and preparing appropriate GAAP accounting entriesEnsure adherence to GAAP cost accounting standards and financial regulations and prepare annual audit work papers and reconciliations as appropriateAnalyze and perform year end standard cost update and inventory revaluation Understand and maintain costs in ERP system to ensure accurate costing and adequately maintain cost accounting system / process documentationOversee inventory valuation and costing, as well as manage capital expenditure impactsSupport Operations team with periodic and annual physical inventory auditsSupport processing of accounts payable for customs, freight and other supplier costs10%AdministrativeUnderstand and comply with the Mueller Quality System and other current regulatory requirements.Stay current with industry and technology changes that could impact operational costsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or other related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the position functions of the job.Three or more years of cost or general ledger accounting, cost analysis or other related work experience.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSProficiency in Excel and a familiarity with financial modeling, forecasting, and budgetingExperience with ERP systems like SAPREQUIRED SKILLSAnalytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to balance multiple priorities.Sound decision-making based on analysis, discussion, experience and judgment.Demonstrated team player who actively participates in team decisions and business meetingsAbility to transition effectively from working independently to working collaboratively and is resourceful in handling multiple tasks and deadlines in an efficient mannerExpresses ideas and opinions in a professional and constructive manner at all organizational levelsResponsible to appropriately protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of the organization’s systems and financial data.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: While performing the duties of this job, the associate is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills; ability to stand or sit, bend or stoop, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light weights of up to 10 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate office equipment and read. The team member frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Position requires frequent typing. Position requires limited business travel, including operation of a motor vehicle.Notice: The information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all tasks, responsibilities and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. Position functions, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. #J-18808-Ljbffr