Cost Analyst - Global Manufacturer - Tinley Park, IL

Our client within the manufacturing sector is seeking a highly skilled Cost Analyst to join their finance operations team. This role is ideal for professionals with a deep understanding of cost accounting practices, particularly within a production or engineering-to-order environment. The individual will play a critical role in analyzing manufacturing costs, identifying process improvements, and providing strategic financial insights to operational teams.

Client Details

Our client within the manufacturing sector is seeking a highly skilled Cost Analyst to join their finance operations team. This role is ideal for professionals with a deep understanding of cost accounting practices, particularly within a production or engineering-to-order environment. The individual will play a critical role in analyzing manufacturing costs, identifying process improvements, and providing strategic financial insights to operational teams.

Description

Cost Analyst Responsibilities:

• Serve as a financial liaison to plant and operational teams, delivering accurate data, clarifying financial performance, and supporting teams in interpreting results.
• Build robust financial models and reporting packages to support decision-making across leadership groups.
• Perform break even analysis by site and by product line to inform profitability and operational planning.
• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to manufacturing efficiency, output, and cost.
• Evaluate capital investment proposals for alignment with internal policies and ensure strong financial justification (e.g., ROI analysis).
• Investigate and validate inventory transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness of recorded data.
• Compare actual costs against forecasts and prior periods, highlight variances, and present findings to stakeholders.
• Conduct ongoing operating cost reviews to identify cost-reduction opportunities and drive strategic initiatives that enhance financial performance.
• Promote and implement continuous improvements in accounting processes, with a focus on reducing manual work flows and enhancing automation.
• Establish internal controls and audit procedures to ensure the integrity of financial systems and compliance with policies.
• Support cost accounting processes during peak times or special projects.
• Utilize business intelligence tools to improve visibility into key financial and operational metrics.
• Manage competing priorities in a dynamic work environment while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Identify and resolve complex accounting discrepancies and provide clarity on financial inconsistencies.
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather business requirements and deliver meaningful financial insights.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance
• At least 4+ years of experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing setting.
• CPA or CMA preferred; prior experience in engineer-to-order production environments is a strong plus.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel; working knowledge of Power BI or similar tools is desirable.
• Solid understanding of manufacturing work flows from quoting to shipping.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical abilities.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced settings and managing multiple concurrent assignments.
• Willingness to travel to plant locations as needed (up to 5-10%).

Job Offer

• Anticipated base salary range: $90,000 - $110,000, with final offer dependent on experience, qualifications, and interview process.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
• Additional perks include paid time off and performance-based compensation opportunities.
• Room for professional growth and development within the company.
• Amazing team culture!

Apply now and your resume will be considered within 24 hours!

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.