Finance Specialist, Estimating

Job Description

Job Title: Specialist, Corporate Finance (Estimating)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: Estimating Manager, Finance

Summary

This is a key position responsible for developing new product quotations to secure new business for the company. It requires the ability to quickly learn and gain a solid understanding of the company's products and customer requirements, particularly in the application of cost and pricing variables.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost estimates for new product quotations, engineering changes, and customer RFQs based on design, material, process, tooling, labor, and overhead inputs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, sales) to gather necessary data and assumptions.
• Analyze customer specifications, BOMs, and drawings to determine cost drivers and feasibility.
• Utilize costing software and internal systems to prepare detailed cost breakdowns.
• Support pricing strategy development by analyzing competitive benchmarks and customer targets.
• Evaluate supplier quotes and raw material pricing for accuracy and alignment with estimates.
• Monitor cost variances between estimated and actual costs, providing feedback to improve future quote accuracy.
• Affiliate in cost reduction initiatives and value engineering analysis.
• Ensure compliance with company financial practices and customer contractual requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in cost estimating, pricing, or financial analysis in the automotive industry, preferably with a Tier 1 supplier.
• Solid understanding of automotive manufacturing processes (e.g. molding, painting, wrapping, welding, assembly).
• Strong knowledge of raw materials (e.g. steel, aluminum, plastics).
• Proficiency with Excel and costing software (e.g., aPriori, AutoQuote, or similar).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with quoting to major OEMs (e.g., Ford, GM, Stellantis, Nissan, etc).
• CMS, SAP or ERP system preferred.

Skills And Abilities

• Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of choices.
• A minimum score of 26 on the Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test.

Travel Requirements

This position typically does not require any travel.