Cost Specialist

NATIONAL WIRE GROUP • Conroe, TX

8d

About The Position

The Cost Analyst – WIP is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and controlling manufacturing costs with a primary focus on Work in Progress (WIP), inventory valuation, labor efficiency, and production cost performance. This role partners closely with Operations, Production, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure accurate cost tracking, margin protection, and data-driven decision-making. The Cost Analyst will oversee WIP aging, production variances, material usage, labor absorption, and overhead allocation to ensure production orders are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with financial targets. This position plays a critical role in identifying cost drivers, improving processes, and enhancing overall manufacturing profitability. An exceptional Cost Analyst demonstrates strong analytical capability, financial acumen, operational understanding, and the ability to translate production data into actionable business insights.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field required.
• 3–5+ years of experience in manufacturing cost accounting or cost analysis.
• Strong understanding of Work in Progress (WIP) accounting.
• Experience in standard costing environments.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and MRP functionality.
• Experience supporting month-end close processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, financial modeling).
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles

Nice To Haves

• CPA, CMA, or CPIM certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• WIP & Inventory Control Monitor and reconcile Work in Progress (WIP) balances daily/weekly.
• Analyze WIP aging and identify stalled, inactive, or over-absorbed jobs.
• Partner with Operations to resolve WIP discrepancies and ensure timely job closure.
• Ensure accurate inventory valuation in compliance with accounting standards.
• Review and validate bill of materials (BOM) accuracy and material usage variances.
• Cost Analysis & Reporting Analyze material, labor, and overhead costs for production orders.
• Identify and explain production variances (usage, rate, efficiency, scrap, rework).
• Prepare weekly and monthly cost performance reports for leadership.
• Track standard vs. actual costs and recommend corrective actions.
• Support month-end close by reconciling inventory and WIP accounts.
• Operational Support Partner with Production and Planning to estimate cost impact of schedules and volume changes.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, and margin analysis initiatives.
• Evaluate production efficiency and labor utilization trends.
• Assist in developing cost reduction initiatives and process improvements.
• Provide financial insight into pricing, quoting, and job profitability.
• Process Improvement & Controls Recommend solutions to reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining quality.
• Strengthen internal controls over production reporting and inventory transactions.
• Support ERP system integrity and MRP accuracy.
• Assist in implementing cost accounting best practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level