Plant Cost Analyst

Vertiv; Edinboro (Erie County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertiv, based in Edinboro, PA, is seeking a Plant Cost Analyst to analyze and report manufacturing costs and help make informed operational decisions. You will collaborate with various departments to offer insights about cost drivers and assist with financial processes, including month-end closings and budgeting.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance and over 3 years of relevant experience. Strong Excel skills and understanding of cost accounting principles are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or a related analytical role.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and manufacturing cost drivers.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze plant operating costs to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Support month-end close activities, including analysis of cost-related journal entries.
• Assist in the development of the annual plant budget and periodic forecasts.
• Monitor capital expenditures and validate cost reduction initiatives.

Skills

Cost accounting principles

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Analytical problem-solving

Advanced Excel skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Plant Cost Analyst is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting manufacturing and operational costs to support effective decision‑making at the plant level. This role partners closely with Plant Operations, Plant Management, Procurement and Accounting to provide insight into cost drivers, variances, and productivity, while supporting accurate financial close, budgeting, and forecasting processes. The Plant Cost Analyst plays a critical role in translating operational data into actionable financial insights and driving continuous improvement in cost transparency and control.

Key Responsibilities: Cost Analysis & Operational Support

• Analyze plant operating costs, including labor, overhead, and conversion costs, to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Perform detailed variance analysis (standard vs. actual), including labor efficiency, overhead absorption, and material usage variances.
• Conduct root‑cause analysis of cost variances and operational performance, partnering with plant leadership to develop corrective actions.
• Monitor key operating metrics such as earned hours, productivity, and efficiency indicators.

Key Responsibilities: Month‑End Close & Financial Reporting

• Support month‑end close activities, including partnering with accounting on the preparation and analysis of cost‑related journal entries, accruals, and supporting schedules.
• Prepare and maintain standard plant cost and performance reports for management review.
• Partner with Plant Accounting to ensure accurate inventory valuation and cost of sales reporting.

Key Responsibilities: Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning

• Assist in the development of the annual plant budget and periodic forecasts.
• Track actual results versus budget and forecast, highlighting variances, risks, and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Support labor, headcount, and capacity planning through financial modeling and scenario analysis.

Key Responsibilities: Inventory & Cost Control

• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Analyze inventory balances and movements to ensure alignment with operational activity and financial expectations.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to improve inventory accuracy and working capital performance.

Key Responsibilities: Capital & Cost Reduction Initiatives

• Monitor and report on capital expenditures, including spending versus approved budgets.
• Track and validate cost reduction initiatives and productivity improvements, ensuring financial impact is measurable and sustainable.

Key Responsibilities: Business Partnering & Communication

• Act as a financial business partner to plant leadership, providing clear, data‑driven insights to support operational and strategic decisions.
• Prepare executive‑level analyses and presentations for plant, regional, and finance leadership.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance teams.

Key Responsibilities: Controls, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Support documentation and execution of SOX controls related to costing, inventory, and financial reporting.
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing analysis, explanations, and supporting documentation.
• Participate in and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance cost visibility, reporting quality, and decision support.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or a related analytical role.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and manufacturing cost drivers.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial analysis tools; experience with ERP systems required.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience in a multi‑plant or multinational manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with operations and driving cost or productivity improvements.

Key Competencies

• Analytical and critical thinking
• Financial and operational acumen
• Business partnering mindset
• Attention to detail and data integrity
• Continuous improvement orientation
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights

Travel

• No extensive/overnight travel required. We have various locations in Pennsylvania that will need to occasionally visit.

About The Team

Work Authorization: No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F‑1, H‑1, H‑2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability.