Cost Management Specialist

ASTEMO AMERICAS, INC.; Harrodsburg (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

ASTEMO AMERICAS, INC. is seeking a Cost Analyst to lead cost management efforts in a manufacturing environment in the Kentucky plant.

You will analyze production costs, variances, and performance metrics to drive operational and financial efficiency, partnering with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance. Responsibilities include cost data collection, model development, BOM costing, routing, overhead allocation, and budgeting support.

Qualifications

• 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 or financial analysis.
• Prior automotive manufacturing or supplier experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, and report on cost data related to materials, labor, and overhead.
• Develop cost models, dashboards, and reporting tools for management decisions.
• Perform variance analysis and explain drivers of deviations.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities with operations and engineering teams.
• Support new product costing including BOM, routing, and overhead allocation.
• Monitor inventory valuation and assist in budgets and rolling forecasts.
• Ensure internal controls and accounting standards compliance.
• Provide ad-hoc financial analysis to support business decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Cost analysis

Variance analysis

Excel proficiency

Business acumen

Multi-priority management

Education

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

MBA or CPA/CMA preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

QAD

Excel

Job description

Company Name: ASTEMO AMERICAS, INC. Job Family: Finance

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) – Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, disability, protected veteran status and national origin. At Astemo, we’re challenging the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. Our goal is to build an inclusive work environment that celebrates the differences of our employees. We want to ensure that every employee feels valued, respected and empowered. We don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Astemo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

At Astemo, innovation drives our passion for excellence. As a global leader in the mobility sector, we are dedicated to shaping the future through advanced technology, sustainable practices and a commitment to empowering our diverse team of talented individuals. We believe that our greatest asset is our people. With a rich legacy of pioneering breakthroughs and forward-thinking mindset, we continuously seek exceptional individuals who share our vision and ambition to redefine the mobility industry. As you explore our website, we invite you to discover exciting career opportunities across various disciplines and regions. Whether you are an experienced professional or new graduate, there is a place for you to thrive and make a meaningful impact within our dynamic global community. Join us in driving innovation, shaping the future and unlocking new possibilities in the mobility industry. Your journey begins here at Astemo.

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