Cost Analyst/Plant Controller

Position Responsibilities:

• Partner directly with the Plant Manager to monitor and improve plant financial performance; act as a P&L steward with a deep understanding of operational drivers.
• Own monthly financial close activities, including accruals, variance analysis, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Conduct in-depth manufacturing variance analysis and provide actionable insights to improve performance.
• Lead and maintain standard costing processes in the ERP system; support cost analysis for current and new products.
• Perform product line margin analysis across the North America region, providing insight to support pricing, product strategy, and profitability initiatives.
• Support financial planning processes including budgeting, forecasting, and business case development.
• Provide ad hoc financial modeling and reporting to drive decision-making.
• Monitor and reconcile inventory valuation; lead and coordinate physical inventory counts.
• Identify and recommend cost-saving initiatives and margin improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and corporate financial policies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to improve processes and enhance cost efficiency.
• Travel periodically to Charlotte, NC to engage with the broader finance team and participate in team-wide initiatives.

Key Result Areas:

• Financial accuracy and timeliness of monthly close and reporting.
• Margin visibility and cost performance at both plant and product line levels.
• Audit readiness and control compliance.
• Collaboration and alignment with plant leadership and finance leadership.

Required Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related technical/business field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in cost accounting and financial analysis in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with operations and senior leadership to drive business performance.
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency in financial modeling.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Self-starter with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work cross-functionally across departments and locations.
• Working knowledge of MS Office with strength in MS Excel.
• Detail oriented and organized with strong analytical ability.
• Ability to hit deadlines and work under time constraints.

Preferred Experience/Qualifications:

• Experience with JD Edwards or similar ERP systems.
• Expertise in cost accounting and margin analysis.
• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement background.
• Strong communication skills with ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance stakeholders.