Cost Analyst

Position Summary

Balchem is seeking a Cost Analyst to join the Supply Chain Finance team. This role supports cost accounting, financial close activities, inventory accounting, financial reporting, and operational analysis across manufacturing locations.

Responsibilities

• Support analysis of Supply Chain impacts on the P&L, Balance Sheet, and key financial metrics.
• Aid in monthly financial close activities for designated manufacturing locations, including preparation of SOX documentation and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Prepare and enter journal entries with appropriate supporting documentation.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting activities related to manufacturing operations and plant expenditures.
• Aid in annual standard cost updates and new product cost estimates.
• Analyze monthly manufacturing variances, including Purchase Price Variance (PPV), Material Usage Variance, Labor and Efficiency Variances, and communicate findings to finance and operations teams.
• Prepare account reconciliations and expense analyses as needed.
• Partner with manufacturing, supply chain, and operations personnel to understand business drivers and support decision-making.
• Aid in preparing monthly financial reporting packages and participating in operational review meetings.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Provide audit support and documentation for quarterly reviews and annual external audits.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives focused on reporting accuracy, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Perform ad hoc financial analyses and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of accounting, finance, or cost accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to standard costing, inventory accounting, manufacturing variances, budgeting, and forecasting is preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills; experience with Power BI is a plus.
• Experience with ERP systems; manufacturing ERP experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supporting multiple manufacturing locations and/or international manufacturing operations is a plus.
• Knowledge of intercompany inventory transactions, transfer pricing concepts, and intercompany costing/accounting processes is a plus.

Pay

The expected salary range for this role is $60,000 - $75,000 per year.