Operations Finance Analyst II - Manufacturing Costing & SAP

Job Summary

Responsible for overseeing, analyzing, and optimizing production-related costs associated with corn and soybean products. This role serves as a key financial partner to Production and Commercial teams by driving cost visibility, forecasting performance, identifying cost drivers, and supporting margin optimization initiatives.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Analyze, monitor, and reconcile production cost inputs, including materials, labor, and overhead, identifying trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Ensure accurate and timely calculation of monthly and quarterly Cost of Goods Made (COGM) and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).
• Develop and maintain standard costs, review variances, and investigate significant fluctuations.
• Maintain alignment between inventory movements and valuations with production and accounting records.
• Lead monthly cost performance reviews, including variance analysis (standard vs. actual, budget vs. forecast).
• Develop, maintain, and continuously refine standard costing models and cost assumptions.
• Partner with Operations and Procurement to understand operational drivers and improve cost efficiency.
• Support pricing, margin analysis, and product profitability evaluations for the Commercial team.
• Aid in the development of annual budgets and rolling forecasts, with ownership of production cost assumptions.
• Provide scenario modeling and sensitivity analysis related to commodity inputs and manufacturing efficiencies.
• Monitor inventory levels and cost impacts to ensure alignment with financial and operational objectives.
• Collaborate with Accounting to ensure accuracy of COGM, COGS, and inventory valuation while maintaining strong internal controls.
• Identify and implement improvements in cost reporting tools, dashboards, and analytics.
• Support audit and compliance requirements related to inventory and cost controls.
• Promote a culture of cost awareness and financial accountability across operational teams.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Solid understanding of cost controlling and accounting principles and manufacturing processes.
• Excellent analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey financial insights to non-financial stakeholders.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with data analysis tools.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally with operations and commercial teams.
• Commitment to integrity, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline required.
• CPA and/or Master’s degree preferred.
• Three (3) - five (5) years of experience in cost accounting/controlling or inventory valuation and costing experience required, in an agricultural, manufacturing, or food production environment.
• Experience with SAP system required.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost flows and inventory valuation under US GAAP or IFRS required.
• FP&A experience required.