Financial Cost Analyst

Job Summary:

The Financial Cost Analyst will manage key cost accounting functions, including standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost of goods sold analysis. This role supports accurate financial reporting, pricing strategies, and operational decision-making by analyzing cost data, reviewing variances, and maintaining cost models. The analyst will also assist with month-end closing, audits, KPI reporting, and process improvements across the finance and inventory functions.

Essential Functions:

- Perform all cost accounting activities including standard cost, inventory valuation, cost of goods sold, product profitability and cost ratio analysis, and calculating production costs

- Review all cost allocation assumptions and rates

- Assure all relevant costs including freight and storage costs are properly factored in sales pricing & margins

- Ensure proper valuations of inventory and Cost of Goods Sold through proper allocation of labor and overhead to ensure integrity of the systems inventory costs

- Support management in the reporting of Cost of Goods Sold and gross margins by product, customer and location for the business units

- Analyze inventory movement, including job costs review, PPV and annual physical inventory to ensure accuracy and adherence to accounting standards

- Develop and maintain inventory cost models and ensure consistency across all inventory-related activities

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to coordinate, reconcile and investigate physical inventory counts and variances with financial records

- Perform daily general accounting activities such as GL analysis, ad hoc reporting, journal entries, fixed assets, etc

- Review financial statements for discrepancies and other issues that should be communicated to management’s attention

- Assist with monthly GL account reconciliations

- Assist in the month-end and year-end close processes, including preparing journal entries and reconciliations

- Assist with the development and reporting of KPIs

- Assist to implement Continuous Improvement ideas related to inventory management and the Accounting & Finance department

- Assist with internal and external audits

- Assist with developing and implementing corporate policies, processes, and procedures

- Assist in other areas, complete special projects, and perform other duties as needed

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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. A reasonable accommodation under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

- Ability to move throughout the manufacturing facility as needed to observe operations, collect data, and attend meetings

- May occasionally be required to stand, walk, or bend

- May occasionally be required to lift items up to 20 pounds

- Primarily office based with regular exposure to a noisy and dusty manufacturing plant environment

Qualifications and Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting

- 7-10+ years’ experience in Financial Cost Analyst role or similar

- Manufacturing experience required

- Proficient in ERP and inventory software

- Proficient in Microsoft Excel

- Knowledge of US GAAP and cost accounting principles

- Mathematical, accounting, finance, and analytical skills

- Industrial Metals experience preferred

- NetSuite experience is preferred, but not required

- CPA and/or CMA is preferred, but not required