Cost Analyst

Exalta Group•Athens, AL

19d

About The Position

The Cost Analyst supports the Sr. Plant Controller by preparing, analyzing, and maintaining accurate cost accounting, inventory, and manufacturing financial information. The position assists with month-end close, standard costing, cost roll activities, inventory valuation, variance analysis, reporting, and process improvement. It produces timely and reliable financial data, investigates cost drivers, supports cross-functional business partners, and helps improve the accuracy, efficiency, and consistency of cost accounting processes across the organization. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field and 3–5 years of accounting, cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or related experience. Candidates should have ERP experience, advanced Microsoft Excel skills, and strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory accounting, standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing finance. Epicor experience is preferred. Domestic and international travel may be required. The employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear, frequently use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms, and occasionally stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The work environment is typically moderately noisy. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
3–5 years of accounting, cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or related experience.
Experience with ERP systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel.
Strong working knowledge of cost accounting, inventory accounting, standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing finance concepts.
Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to investigate variances and clearly explain financial results.
Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to collaborate with Finance, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and leadership teams.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Domestic and international travel may be required.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Nice To Haves

Epicor experience.
Experience with Power BI, Access, or similar reporting tools.
MBA, CMA, CPA, or progress toward professional certification.
Prior experience in manufacturing, medical devices, life sciences, or a regulated industry environment.
Experience supporting cost roll processes, inventory reserves, audit requests, and cross-functional process improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Support month-end close, including reviewing and correcting production orders, recording COGS and WIP activity, and analyzing production order variances.
Prepare weekly and monthly inventory reports and assist with inventory valuation, reserve analysis, and reconciliations.
Calculate and maintain excess and obsolete inventory reserves in accordance with company policy and accounting requirements.
Assist with quarterly and annual cost rolls, including new part costing, standard cost updates, and validation of cost components such as material, labor, overhead, freight, and duty.
Research purchase price variances, production variances, inventory adjustments, and other cost fluctuations; summarize findings and proposed corrective actions.
Analyze product group profitability, manufacturing and non-manufacturing expenses, and plant operating performance.
Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking for plant leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Assist with departmental rate calculations and cost allocation analysis for Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and related support functions.
Maintain and improve cost accounting records, supporting documentation, and system data integrity in ERP and reporting tools.
Partner with Business Intelligence, Finance, and operational teams to improve reporting, automate recurring analyses, and enhance dashboards.
Support forecasts, budgets, and ad hoc financial analyses related to manufacturing costs, inventory, expenses, and cost-saving initiatives.
Assist with internal and external audit requests by preparing schedules, reconciliations, explanations, and supporting documentation.
Comply with GAAP, company accounting policies, internal controls, and financial reporting deadlines.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, cost control, data accuracy, and reporting efficiency in cost accounting.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.