Operations Cost Analyst

FAST Global Solutions Inc • Glenwood, MN

35d

About The Position

SUMMARY: The Operations Cost Analyst is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting operational costs within a job-order costing environment. This role focuses on cost accounting functions and supports business operations by providing detailed cost analysis, facilitating informed decision-making, and ensuring accurate allocation of costs to specific jobs, projects, or orders as well as leading budgeting and forecasting activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in cost accounting in a manufacturing environment (job-order costing experience a plus)
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency with cost accounting principles and practices
• Experience with manufacturing ERP and accounting systems
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work Independently and cross-functionally with other departments as needed

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Power BI, SQL or ODBCa plus

Responsibilities

• Cost Accounting & Inventory Management
• Job-Order Costing: Maintain and update records for materials, labor, and overhead; accurately allocate costs to individual jobs with documentation
• Inventory Ownership: Lead inventory valuation, reconciliation, and product costing; oversee physical counts, cycle counting, and overall inventory discipline
• Audit & ERP Support: Support year-end financial audits and assist with the G/L integration within the ERP system to ensure data integrity
• Analysis & Performance Tracking
• Variance Analysis: Track and reconcile costs throughout the production cycle; investigate discrepancies between estimated vs. actual costs and recommend corrective actions
• Financial Reporting: Prepare margin and profitability assessments; generate capacity and utilization to guide management decisions
• Strategic Insights: Provide ad-hoc reporting and data-driven insights to support pricing, budgeting, and operational strategy
• Process Improvement & Strategy
• Efficiency Optimization: Identify and implement improvements to accounting controls and procedures to enhance tracking accuracy and transparency
• Cost Reduction: Partner with cross-functional teams to pinpoint and execute cost-saving opportunities and process efficiencies
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process by coordinating departmental inputs and developing financial forecasting models
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Operational Alignment: Work closely with Operations, Engineering, Production Planning, and Customer Accounts/Sales teams to ensure timely data collection and alignment with broader business objectives

Benefits

• Competitive pay & affordable benefits from your first day
• Real ownership through our ESOP– FAST contributes20% of your annual pay so you share in our success
• Paid holidays and PTO for work-life balance
• Annual safety shoe reimbursement and company gear allowance
• A team culture that values craftsmanship, safety, and teamwork
• Opportunities to learn, grow, and advance your career

What This Job Offers

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