Cost Analyst - Manufacturing Operations

BrassCraft Manufacturing Company; Lancaster (TX); On-site; USD 62,600 - 98,340; Full time

Job summary

BrassCraft Manufacturing Company is seeking a dedicated Cost Analyst for its Lancaster, TX plant. This pivotal role will oversee site-level P&Ls, lead financial analyses, and partner with leadership to support operational and financial goals.

Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance and at least 3 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing setting. Strong analytical skills and advanced Excel proficiency are required. A CPA or MBA is preferred.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in cost accounting required.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment desired.
• Familiarity with close processes preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own site-level P&Ls and financial analyses for the plant.
• Lead monthly analysis and review of operations.
• Support the processes for monthly forecasts and AOP.

Skills

Cost accounting experience

Advanced Excel skills

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Manufacturing cost accounting principles

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Cost Analyst – Manufacturing Operations partners closely with Plant Operations leadership to provide accounting, cost analysis, and performance monitoring that support the plant’s operational and financial objectives. This role plays a key part in driving cost transparency, identifying risks and opportunities, and enabling informed, data‑driven decisions across manufacturing operations. This is an on‑site position based out of Lancaster, TX.

Principal Functional Responsibilities

• Own site-level P&Ls and balance sheets, including analysis of cost absorption, labor, overhead, scrap, and material/usage variances
• Lead monthly analysis and review of plant site operations including production output, productivity, total labor efficiency, total cost per earned hour, manufacturing & material cost variances, etc.
• Monitor actual spend vs Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and forecast, proactively identifying risks and variances
• Support the processes for monthly forecast, annual operating plan (AOP), and plant performance to ensure alignment with business objectives
• Partner with plant leadership to identify, quantify, and execute cost reduction initiatives
• Act as finance lead for recurring plant staff meetings
• Assist with month‑end close activities and partner with plant management to explain results, trends, and recommend actions
• Partner cross‑functionally to support build‑up of annual standard cost calculations
• Analyze critical accounts and key performance indicators to provide insights to plant management & operations controller
• Develop and maintain financial reporting and analytical tools to assist in operations
• Support the yearly cost roll process
• Evaluate and recommend changes in the company’s cost structure
• Assist in monitoring, performing, and testing of Internal Controls
• Support ad‑hoc projects and analyses as needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field
• 3 years of experience in cost accounting
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment
• Prior experience with close processes
• Advanced Excel skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or MBA

Competencies

• Excellent problem solving, issue identification, and analytical skills
• Critical thinker who enjoys working as part of collaborative team
• Ability to manage multiple projects of differing scale, complexity, and duration
• Desire and willingness to learn new tools, techniques, concepts, and methodologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present financial concepts to non‑finance partners
• Solid understanding of manufacturing cost accounting principles, including standard costing, labor and overhead analysis, material usage variances, and cost roll‑ups

Location and Compensation

Location: Lancaster, TX
Hiring Range: $62,600.00 - $98,340.00 USD

EEO Statement

BrassCraft is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. The Company makes employment decisions based on merit and prohibits discrimination on any protected basis. BrassCraft is an E‑Verify employer.