Descripción
Position Summary
The Cost Analyst is responsible for helping lead the plant’s cost management function, ensuring accurate and timely analysis of production costs, variances, and performance metrics to drive operational and financial efficiency. This role provides partnering closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to support decision-making, identify cost savings opportunities, and strengthen the plant’s financial performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Collect, analyze, and report on cost data related to materials, labor, and overhead in manufacturing processes.
- Develop and maintain cost models, dashboards, and reporting tools for management decision-making.
- Perform variance analysis (actual vs. standard, budget vs. forecast) and explain drivers of deviations.
- Partner with operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to identify cost-reduction opportunities.
- Support new product costing, including bill of materials (BOM), routing, and overhead allocation.
- Monitor inventory valuation and perform reconciliations in collaboration with accounting.
- Assist in preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and rolling estimates.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, corporate policies, and accounting standards.
- Provide ad-hoc financial analysis to support business decisions (e.g., make vs. buy, capital investments, pricing strategies).
Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or related field (MBA or CPA/CMA preferred).
- 2–3 years of progressive experience in cost accounting, financial analysis, or operations finance.
- Prior experience in automotive manufacturing or a tier-one/tier-two supplier environment preferred.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
- In-depth knowledge of manufacturing cost structures, variance analysis, and operational finance.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, QAD, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial data into operational insights.
- Strong business acumen with a results-driven, problem-solving mindset.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Work Environment:
- This role is primarily based in a manufacturing environment and may require occasional travel to support corporate initiatives, customers, or suppliers.
- Occasional overtime or off-shift support may be required during audits or critical system implementations.