Job Type
Full-time
Description
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Senior Cost Analyst is responsible for end-to-end product costing, margin analysis, and inventory management across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance leadership to ensure accurate cost visibility, drive margin improvement initiatives, and strengthen inventory controls. The position requires significant on-site presence at manufacturing locations to support costing, operational analysis, inventory control, and continuous improvement efforts.
Key Responsibilities and Deliverables Include:
Product Costing & Financial Analysis
• Develop, maintain, and validate product costs, including material, labor, and overhead components.
• Analyze cost variances (material usage, labor efficiency, overhead absorption) and provide actionable insights to operations and
finance leadership.
• Support new product introductions, reformulations, and process changes with accurate cost modeling.
• Partner with Operations to identify cost reduction opportunities and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Margin Analysis & Business Support
• Perform detailed margin analysis by product, customer, and manufacturing site.
• Identify drivers of margin erosion and improvement and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders.
• Support pricing decisions, profitability reviews, and strategic initiatives with fact-based financial analysis.
• Prepare and present cost and margin insights to senior leadership as needed.
Inventory Management & Controls
• Oversee inventory valuation, including raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.
• Monitor inventory levels, turns, obsolescence, and reserves; recommend corrective actions where needed.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations to improve inventory accuracy, cycle counting, and physical inventory processes.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and accounting standards related to inventory and cost accounting.
Manufacturing & Operational Engagement
• Travel regularly to manufacturing facilities to understand production processes, validate cost drivers, and support operational
teams.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to improve cost transparency and financial accountability.
• Support monthly close activities related to manufacturing costs, inventory, and cost of goods sold.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field (MBA or CPA/CMA a plus).
• 7-10 years of progressive cost accounting or cost analysis experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of product costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting.
• Experience working directly with manufacturing operations and plant leadership.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems and manufacturing cost modules required.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50% to manufacturing locations.
Key Competencies:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to translate complex cost data into clear, actionable insights.
• Effective communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional partners.
• Hands-on, results-oriented mindset with comfort working in plant environments.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Salary Description
$110,000 - $120,000
