Operations and Cost Analyst

About the role

We're looking for a detail-oriented Operations and Cost Analyst to join our corporate Madison, WI facility as a member of our Corporate Finance team. In this role, you'll support the Cost Accounting Manager and play a critical role in standard costing, inventory valuation, manufacturing finance, variance analysis, and financial reporting. If you enjoy working with data, partnering with operations leaders, and providing actionable cost insights that drive business decisions, this is an excellent opportunity to make an impact in a growing manufacturing environment.

What You'll Do

• Maintain and update standard costs, bill of materials accuracy, and labor and overhead rates within Oracle ERP.
• Develop and maintain material costs and resource rates to support pricing strategies and GAAP-compliant inventory costing.
• Facilitate monthly cost rolls and perform cost impact analysis.
• Prepare and analyze manufacturing variances, including material, labor, and overhead variances, and communicate findings to Finance and Operations leadership.
• Perform ad hoc financial analysis and cost analysis to support business decisions.
• Facilitate month-end inventory reconciliation and cost reconciliation processes to ensure accurate inventory valuation.
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and cost allocations during the monthly close process.
• Support physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and year-end inventory observations.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and audit requirements.
• Partner with Finance and Operations teams to provide cost insights, reporting, and recommendations for process improvements.
• Prepare department spending reports and management reporting as needed.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with 1-3 years of cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience.
• Knowledge of standard costing, inventory valuation, variance analysis, and GAAP within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with ERP systems, preferably Oracle.
• Analytical mindset with strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• CPA/CMA certification (or progress toward certification), Power BI experience, and Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma knowledge are a plus.

Why Placon – You'll Love It Here

• Be a key contributor to manufacturing and financial performance through cost accounting and business analysis.
• Partner directly with Operations and Finance leaders to influence decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Gain exposure to standard costing, inventory management, ERP systems, variance analysis, and financial planning processes.
• Opportunities for professional growth, including support for CPA or CMA certification development.

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role.

Work Schedule

Onsite: Monday through Friday during traditional business hours. Additional flexibility may be required during month-end close and year-end processes. Minimal travel (0-5%).