Accounting Manufacturing Cost and Inventory Analyst

Location: Newburyport, MA (Hybrid schedule)

About the Role

The Cost Analyst is responsible for coordinating manufacturing accounting and product costing processes, including target costing projects, margin analysis, and new product/business initiatives. This role ensures accurate documentation and process improvement, acting as the primary contact for product costing, manufacturing accounting, and inventory control issues. The position requires strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact with all levels of management, both within and outside the company.

Key dimensions of the position include maintaining product costs for over 50,000 items and managing an inventory valued at over $40 million.

Responsibilities

• Create and refine standard cost models for products, incorporating raw materials, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead.
• Ensure adequate controls and reviews for inventory and gross margin reporting, including cost of goods sold, scrapped material, purchase price variances, standard cost changes, warranty reserve, excess & obsolete reserve, slow-moving inventory, inventory revaluation, monthly reconciliations, and manufacturing variances.
• Review individual part costs to ensure they accurately reflect manufacturing costs.
• Review, analyze, and establish standard labor and overhead rates annually with the plant controller.
• Partner with management, pricing managers, and financial analysts to analyze monthly gross margins by product.
• Support engineering and operations in developing and tracking cost mitigation and reduction programs.
• Prepare cost estimates for new or special products to determine selling prices and production forecasts.
• Collaborate with engineering, document control, and operations teams to ensure accuracy of Bills of Materials and Routings.
• Prepare product cost information for budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning, including profitability modeling and analysis.
• Support capital activities, including evaluation of PAC projects and completion of post-completion audits.
• Monitor the company’s cycle count programs, ensuring proper recording and timely resolution of variances.
• Assist with preparation, performance, and audit of physical inventories.
• Process month-end journal entries and prepare related reconciliations.
• Drive compliance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Support internal and external auditors during mid-year and annual audits.
• Travel up to 10% to other business locations as required.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Strong cost system background with excellent analytical skills and a solid understanding of accounting principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word); JD Edwards experience highly desired.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma or Lean).
• Ability to work with diverse teams across geographies.
• Capability to work under minimal supervision in a team-driven environment.
• Strong multitasking skills with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to work onsite in Newburyport, MA.

Benefits

• An open company culture with a collegial team spirit and shared values.
• An empowering work environment focused on excellence and innovation.
• Support for training and accreditation courses.

Pay

Expected salary range: $80,000 – $115,000, with eligibility for incentive pay.