Cost Account Analyst

Job Summary

The Cost Account Analyst is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of product costing and providing financial insights to support manufacturing operations and management decision-making. This role focuses on cost analysis, variance reporting, budgeting support, inventory management, and financial forecasting within a manufacturing environment. The position works closely with plant leadership to improve cost visibility, financial controls, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure accuracy of product costs, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), routings, labor rates, and overhead

• Analyze variances to standard cost, including purchase price, material usage, labor rate, and labor efficiency, and report findings to management

• Support management with financial analysis for manufacturing investment decisions, including equipment and process comparisons

• Maintain the standard cost system to generate accurate product costs and inventory valuations

• Review cost changes, identify root causes, and obtain appropriate authorization for updates

• Design and develop manufacturing and plant-level financial reports

• Analyze financial and operational data and provide actionable recommendations to management

• Participate in and lead regular cost and performance review meetings with plant leadership

• Establish and maintain financial controls to safeguard plant assets and ensure accurate financial reporting

• Assist with the development of budgets, manufacturing standards, and financial forecasts

• Review and develop budgeting requirements for manufacturing operations

• Conduct profitability analysis and review results with key stakeholders

• Perform financial analysis and support strategic and process improvement initiatives with minimal supervision

• Develop and maintain variable cost productivity tracking and analysis

• Participate in annual physical inventory processes

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Engineering, or a related field

• 3–5 years of relevant work experience

• Experience in a manufacturing or factory environment

• Strong background in financial analysis, forecasting, and financial reporting

• Experience with inventory management and cost accounting

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player

• Ability to quickly learn and navigate complex ERP systems (Oracle experience preferred)

Physical Demands

• Minimal standing, walking, climbing stairs, and filing activities

• Prolonged use of computer systems, including keyboard and mouse

• Extended periods of sitting, reading, writing, speaking, and hearing

• Occasional travel for training purposes

• Exposure to typical manufacturing noise environments with appropriate safety equipment