Finance Analyst

Position Summary

The Finance Analyst is responsible for supporting the accounting operations of a manufacturing organization, with a focus on cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting. This role ensures accurate tracking of product costs, supports month-end close processes, and helps maintain compliance with GAAP and company policies.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Inventory

• Maintain and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and overhead


• Perform cost variance analysis (material, labor, and overhead) and explain fluctuations


• Monitor inventory transactions, including receipts, transfers, and adjustments


• Reconcile inventory subledger to the general ledger


• Assist with periodic inventory counts (cycle counts and physical inventory)

Financial Reporting & Close

• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules


• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes


• Analyze manufacturing variances and provide insights to operations teams


• Support preparation of financial statements and management reports

Budgeting & Analysis

• Assist in the development of annual budgets and forecasts


• Track actual performance versus budget and identify trends


• Provide financial analysis to support operational decision-making

Systems & Controls

• Maintain cost accounting data in ERP systems


• Ensure internal controls over financial reporting and inventory are in place and functioning

Collaboration

• Partner with production, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure accurate cost data


• Support process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy


• Communicate financial insights to non-finance stakeholders

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field


• 2–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment


• Experience with cost accounting or inventory accounting strongly preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., IQMS, SAP, Oracle, or similar)


• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)


• Knowledge of GAAP and cost accounting principles

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities


• Attention to detail and accuracy


• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines


• Effective communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or progress toward certification


• Experience with standard costing and variance analysis


• Familiarity with lean manufacturing environments or continuous improvement initiatives

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with periodic time on the production floor


• May require extended hours during month-end close or audits

Success Metrics

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting


• Effectiveness of cost analysis and variance reporting


• Inventory accuracy and reconciliation performance


• Contribution to process improvements and cost savings