Plant Finance & COGS Strategy Lead

Cesna-Recruitment; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cesna-Recruitment is seeking an experienced Operations Finance professional in Reston, VA to strengthen plant accounting, COGS analysis, and cost allocations. This role partners with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Procurement to drive profitability through data-driven insights and driver-based cost models.

The ideal candidate has a strong Excel foundation, familiarity with SAP HANA and Power BI, and can lead budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close processes while traveling as

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience in operations finance or cost accounting.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, or related field is required.
• Strong understanding of cost drivers (materials, labor, overhead, logistics).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel; SAP HANA and Power BI a plus.
• Prior work experience in Manufacturing/CPG or co-packing environments preferred.
• Analytical, able to multi-task, detail-oriented and self-motivated.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (15–20%).

Responsibilities

• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Procurement to analyze COGS drivers and profitability.
• Own monthly COGS and manufacturing variance analysis including volume, yield, usage, mix and conversion costs.
• Support cost optimization initiatives across internal manufacturing and co-packing operations.
• Lead the annual operating plan and forecasting for Operations, COGS and cost drivers.
• Develop driver-based models linking volume, yield, COGS components and KPIs to financial outcomes.
• Participate in month-end close to ensure accuracy of Operations and COGS results.
• Lead monthly COGS and plant performance reviews with stakeholders and action plans.
• Support financial evaluation of operational initiatives and manufacturing investments.

Skills

Analytical

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Finance, or related field

Tools

SAP HANA

Power BI

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Cesna-Recruitment is seeking an experienced Operations Finance professional in Reston, VA to strengthen plant accounting, COGS analysis, and cost allocations. This role partners with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Procurement to drive profitability through data-driven insights and driver-based cost models.

The ideal candidate has a strong Excel foundation, familiarity with SAP HANA and Power BI, and can lead budgeting, forecasting, and month-end close processes while traveling as