Cost Management Specialist

Astemo; Harrodsburg (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Astemo, Ltd. seeks a Cost Analyst to lead the plant’s cost management function, delivering accurate production cost analysis, variances, and performance metrics to boost efficiency.

This role partners with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to drive informed decisions. Responsibilities include developing cost models, dashboards, and reports; performing variance analysis; supporting budgets and forecasts; and ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or related field (MBA or CPA/CMA preferred).
• 2–3 years of cost accounting, financial analysis, or operations finance experience.
• Automotive manufacturing or Tier‑1/2 supplier experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and report cost data for materials, labor, and overhead in manufacturing.
• Develop cost models, dashboards, and reporting tools for management.
• Perform variance analysis and explain drivers of deviations.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering and Supply Chain to identify cost savings.
• Support new product costing, BOM, routing and overhead allocation.
• Monitor inventory valuation and reconcile with accounting.
• Assist annual budgets, forecasts, rolling estimates.
• Ensure internal controls and accounting standards compliance.
• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis for decisions (make vs buy, pricing).

Skills

Leadership

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

ERP systems

Advanced Excel

Communication

Business acumen

Prioritization

Education

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

MBA or CPA/CMA preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

QAD

Job description

Position Summary

The Cost Analyst is responsible for helping lead the plant’s cost management function, ensuring accurate and timely analysis of production costs, variances, and performance metrics to drive operational and financial efficiency. This role provides partnering closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to support decision-making, identify cost savings opportunities, and strengthen the plant’s financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, and report on cost data related to materials, labor, and overhead in manufacturing processes.
• Develop and maintain cost models, dashboards, and reporting tools for management decision-making.
• Perform variance analysis (actual vs. standard, budget vs. forecast) and explain drivers of deviations.
• Partner with operations, engineering, and supply chain teams to identify cost-reduction opportunities.
• Support new product costing, including bill of materials (BOM), routing, and overhead allocation.
• Monitor inventory valuation and perform reconciliations in collaboration with accounting.
• Assist in preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and rolling estimates.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, corporate policies, and accounting standards.
• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis to support business decisions (e.g., make vs. buy, capital investments, pricing strategies).

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or related field (MBA or CPA/CMA preferred).
• 2–3 years of progressive experience in cost accounting, financial analysis, or operations finance.
• Prior experience in automotive manufacturing or a tier-one/tier-two supplier environment preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• In‑depth knowledge of manufacturing cost structures, variance analysis, and operational finance.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, QAD, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial data into operational insights.
• Strong business acumen with a results‑driven, problem‑solving mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Work Environment:

• This role is primarily based in a manufacturing environment and may require occasional travel to support corporate initiatives, customers, or suppliers.
• Occasional overtime or off‑shift support may be required during audits or critical system implementations.