Cost Analyst – Manufacturing Finance & Analytics

EXALTA; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

EXALTA in Bethlehem, PA, seeks a Cost Analyst to support the Sr. Plant Controller by preparing, analyzing, and maintaining cost accounting, inventory, and manufacturing financial information.

The role covers month-end close, standard costing, variances, reporting, dashboards, and cross-functional partnering to improve accuracy, efficiency, and cost control across the plant. Candidates will have a degree in accounting/finance, 3–5 years in cost accounting, ERP experience (Epicor preferred), and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• 3-5 years of accounting, cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or related experience.
• Experience with ERP systems; Epicor experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel; Power BI, Access, or similar reporting tools preferred.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• MBA, CMA, CPA, or progress toward professional certification.
• Prior experience in manufacturing, medical devices, life sciences, or regulated industry environment.

Responsibilities

• Support month-end close activities, including review and correction of production orders, recording of COGS and WIP activity, and analysis of production order variances.
• Prepare weekly and monthly inventory reporting and assist with inventory valuation, reserve analysis, and reconciliation activities.
• Calculate and maintain excess and obsolete inventory reserves in accordance with company policy and accounting requirements.
• Assist with quarterly and annual cost roll processes, including new part costing, standard cost updates, and validation of material, labor, overhead, freight, duty, and other cost components.
• Research purchase price variances, production variances, inventory adjustments, and other cost-related fluctuations; summarize findings and proposed corrective actions.
• Support analysis of product group profitability, manufacturing expenses, non-manufacturing expenses, and plant operating performance.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking to support plant leadership, Finance, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
• Assist with departmental rate calculations and cost allocation analysis for Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and related support functions.
• Maintain and improve cost accounting records, supporting documentation, and system data integrity within ERP and reporting tools.
• Partner with Business Intelligence, Finance, and operational teams to improve reporting, automate recurring analyses, and enhance dashboard functionality.
• Support forecasts, budgets, and ad hoc financial analyses related to manufacturing costs, inventory, expenses, and cost savings initiatives.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests by preparing schedules, reconciliations, explanations, and supporting documentation.
• Comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company accounting policies, internal controls, and financial reporting deadlines.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost control, data accuracy, and reporting efficiency within the cost accounting function.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Cost accounting

Inventory accounting

Variance analysis

Excel

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

ERP experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

MBA/CPA/CMA progress

Tools

Epicor ERP

Power BI

Access

Job description

EXALTA in Bethlehem, PA, seeks a Cost Analyst to support the Sr. Plant Controller by preparing, analyzing, and maintaining cost accounting, inventory, and manufacturing financial information.

The role covers month-end close, standard costing, variances, reporting, dashboards, and cross-functional partnering to improve accuracy, efficiency, and cost control across the plant. Candidates will have a degree in accounting/finance, 3–5 years in cost accounting, ERP experience (Epicor preferred), and