Sr. Cost Analyst

Job Summary

The primary purpose of the position is to analyze manufacturing costs, recommend and implement changes to standard costs, and ensure accurate inventory valuation. Actions include month‑end close, inventory management, and financial reporting to support pricing and decision‑making.

• Analyze data to recommend material and cost revisions and work with engineering, production, and purchasing to establish standard costs for manufactured items.
• Review manufacturing operations, analyze variances, and determine whether to write off nominal variances or investigate significant ones.
• When standard costs change, evaluate inventory revaluation and its effect on financial results.
• Perform month‑end close by reviewing the general ledger, reconciling accounts, and making journal entries.
• Administer manufacturing activity and inventory levels for outside processing suppliers, recognizing necessary adjustments or scrap.
• Investigate and resolve significant inventory discrepancies with suppliers.
• Create, review, and analyze bills of materials (BOMs) and routings for new products using standard times and product templates.
• Assist in planning 12‑month objectives for Operations through the annual budget process by preparing forms, reviewing expenses, and analyzing variances.
• Review current year‑to‑date costs, classifying one‑time versus recurring costs, and make recommendations to plant management on cost nature (variable or fixed).
• Support Continuous Improvement and Six Sigma projects by gathering and analyzing ERP data, testing solutions, and implementing practice changes.
• Provide direct labor analysis and determine whether labor variances impact standard cost.
• Analyze general ledger accounts, run reports, and complete projects as assigned.
• Participate in the inventory cycle count and other physical inventories, including fixed asset audits.
• Prepare financial analysis for CEPs, track spending, and close projects to fixed assets.
• Perform other duties as assigned and participate in SQF housekeeping and food safety programs.

• 5+ years of proven experience in cost accounting and financial reporting in a manufacturing environment.
• Solid knowledge of accounting rules (GAAP and/or IFRS).
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to discern normal results from anomalies.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and high proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience operating basic office equipment (computer, calculator, copier, fax).
• Bachelor’s Degree with Accounting emphasis or equivalent work experience preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience with Access and/or Excel queries.
• 2+ years of Business ERP system experience, Oracle preferred.
• Certified Management Accountant, CPA, MBA, or candidate preferred.

Work in a manufacturing environment with prolonged sitting (80%), occasional standing (10%) and walking (10%). Requires twisting, stooping/bending, squatting/kneeling, and reaching. Must lift and carry up to 10 pounds regularly and up to 20 pounds occasionally. Visual requirements include near/far acuity. Proper safety equipment is required in the manufacturing area, including footwear, hair/beard net, safety glasses, and earplugs.