Manufacturing Cost Analyst — Variance & Inventory Insights

EXALTA Group; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

EXALTA Group in Athens, AL is seeking a Cost Analyst to support the Sr. Plant Controller with cost accounting, inventory data, and manufacturing finance information.

The role involves month-end close, standard costing, variance analysis, and cost improvement initiatives to drive accuracy and efficiency across the plant. You will prepare reports and dashboards, analyze cost drivers, and collaborate with Finance, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure data integrity and timely

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3–5 years of accounting, cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or related experience.
• Experience with ERP systems; Epicor preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially advanced Excel; Power BI/Access preferred.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• MBA, CMA, CPA, or progress toward certification.
• Experience in manufacturing, medical devices, life sciences, or regulated environments.
• Experience supporting cost roll processes, inventory reserves, audits, and cross-functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support month-end close activities, including review of production orders and COGS/WIP analysis.
• Prepare weekly/monthly inventory reporting and assist with valuation, reserves, and reconciliation.
• Maintain excess/obsolete inventory reserves in line with policy and GAAP.
• Assist with quarterly/annual cost roll processes and standard cost updates.
• Research variances and summarize corrective actions.
• Support profitability analysis and plant operating performance reporting.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking for various stakeholders.
• Assist with cost allocation analysis for Operations and related functions.
• Maintain cost accounting records and data integrity within ERP and reporting tools.
• Collaborate with BI, Finance, and operations to improve reporting and dashboards.

Skills

Cost accounting

Inventory accounting

Standard costing

Variance analysis

Manufacturing finance

Advanced Excel

Power BI

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/Finance

MBA / CMA / CPA preferred

Tools

Epicor ERP

Power BI

MS Access

Job description

EXALTA Group in Athens, AL is seeking a Cost Analyst to support the Sr. Plant Controller with cost accounting, inventory data, and manufacturing finance information.

The role involves month-end close, standard costing, variance analysis, and cost improvement initiatives to drive accuracy and efficiency across the plant. You will prepare reports and dashboards, analyze cost drivers, and collaborate with Finance, Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure data integrity and timely