Cost Analyst (GP Focus)

Knight Auto Precision Engineering Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm in Singapore is looking for a Cost Analyst to perform variance analysis, support budgeting, and enhance costing processes. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, with 3-5 years in cost analysis. Proficiency in ERP systems like SAP or Oracle and advanced Excel skills are required. The role involves cross-department collaboration and supporting strategic cost-related initiatives. A Master’s degree or certifications like CMA/CPA are a plus.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of working experience in cost analysis or management accounting.
• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform monthly actual vs. standard cost variance analysis.
• Analyze production cost trends and report KPIs.
• Support budgeting and forecasting cycles.

Skills

Cost analysis

Budgeting

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Master's degree or professional certification like CMA or CPA

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Advanced Excel

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cost Accounting & Variance Analysis

• Perform monthly actual vs. standard cost variance analysis for all products.

• Analyze and investigate cost variances across material, labor, and overhead, and partner with Operations, Engineering, and Procurement to identify root causes.

• Ensure timely reporting of cost variances with clear explanations and corrective action recommendations.

2. Production Cost Analysis & Control

• Analyze production cost trends, including material usage, labor efficiency, machine utilization, and overhead absorption.

• Track, analyze, and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to manufacturing performance and inventory efficiency.

• Identify key cost drivers and highlight risks and opportunities impacting Gross Profit (GP).

3. Inventory Valuation & Standard Costing

• Ensure accuracy of inventory valuation on the balance sheet and proper cost flow through COGS in accordance with accounting policies and internal controls.

• Manage and monitor the treatment of manufacturing variances in inventory and COGS.

• Conduct regular standard cost reviews in collaboration with the Should Cost Analyst to ensure cost accuracy and relevance.

4. Budgeting, Forecasting & Strategic Support

• Support budgeting and forecasting cycles by providing cost assumptions, production cost trends, and GP projections.

• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and recommend actions to improve gross margin performance.

• Support financial modeling and cost-benefit analysis for manufacturing-related CapEx proposals, focusing on expected returns through cost savings and efficiency gains.

• Provide timely financial insights and analysis to support operational and management decision-making.

5. Process & Systems Improvement

• Enhance ERP costing processes to improve cost traceability, BOM accuracy, and standard cost maintenance.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in costing methodologies, reporting, and internal controls.

• Serve as the key finance liaison to Operations, Manufacturing, and Procurement, translating financial data into actionable operational insights.

7. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, policies, and regulations related to cost and inventory accounting.

• Support internal and external audits with accurate product cost documentation.

• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in product costing and cost accounting.

8. Ad-hoc Support

• Deliver timely product cost analysis for special projects, tenders, and management reviews.

• Provide cost insights to support strategic initiatives such as make vs. buy, footprint optimization, and product portfolio decisions.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CMA, CPA) is a plus.

• 3–5 years of working experience in cost analysis, management accounting, or FP&A (manufacturing or supply chain exposure preferred).

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in accounting software/costing systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or other ERP systems) and advanced Excel skills.

• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Strong understanding of COGS and margin drivers; able to connect financial data with operational realities.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.

• Team Player: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build relationships across departments.

• Time management Skills: Ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple tasks.