Project Analyst

Smp Automotive Systems Alabama Inc; Cottondale (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Job summary

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. in Cottondale, AL, is seeking a Project Analyst to support the financial success of our programs from quotation through production. You will act as a financial partner to Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Operations, and Leadership.

The role focuses on accurate financial planning, cost control, profitability analysis, and program performance across the lifecycle. The position requires a finance background and manufacturing experience.

Qualifications

• Requires strong financial analysis and cost accounting skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems is expected.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Experience supporting product launches, capital investments, or project management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial oversight of assigned programs from RFQ through end-of-production.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and profitability analyses.
• Monitor customer investments, capital expenditures, launch costs, and operating expenses.
• Support business case development and investment approvals.
• Track program financial performance and identify risks and opportunities.
• Partner with cross-functional teams during quoting and launch processes.
• Analyze cost structures and financial models for proposals and profitability evaluations.
• Participate in project kick-offs and reviews; assist with financial approvals.
• Perform cost, margin, and variance analyses and support monthly/quarterly/annual reporting.

Skills

Financial analysis

Excel proficiency

ERP systems

Multi-project management

Cost accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Administration

Tools

SAP

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Project Analyst

Full Time Professional Cottondale, AL, US

Join the SMP Team!

At SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc., we are a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier dedicated to delivering high-quality interior and exterior vehicle components to some of the world's largest automotive manufacturers. We believe our success is driven by our people, and we are committed to fostering a culture of teamwork, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

We are currently seeking a Project Analystto support the financial success of our programs from quotation through production. This role serves as a key financial partner to Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Operations, and Leadership teams, ensuring accurate financial planning, cost control, profitability analysis, and program performance throughout the entire product lifecycle.

What You'll Do

• Lead financial oversight of assigned programs from RFQ through end-of-production.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, forecasts, and profitability analyses.
• Monitor customer investments, capital expenditures, launch costs, and operating expenses.
• Support business case development and investment approvals.
• Track program financial performance and identify risks and opportunities.

Quotation & Launch Support

• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, and Operations during the quoting process.
• Analyze project assumptions, cost structures, and financial models.
• Support the development of customer quotations and profitability evaluations.
• Participate in project kick-off meetings and launch reviews.
• Assist with program investment planning and financial approvals.

Cost Analysis & Reporting

• Perform detailed cost, margin, and variance analyses.
• Monitor project profitability throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting activities.
• Prepare financial presentations and reports for plant and regional leadership.
• Analyze actual performance against budgets and forecasts.

Business Partnership

• Serve as a financial resource for cross-functional project teams.
• Support sourcing decisions through financial analysis and supplier comparisons.
• Assist with customer pricing reviews and change management activities.
• Monitor intercompany transactions and financial impacts.
• Support long-range planning, budgeting, and strategic initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability and financial performance.
• Drive process improvements within project controlling and reporting activities.
• Support regional facilities and special projects as needed.
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field required.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in Finance, Controlling, Cost Accounting, or Project Controlling.
• Manufacturing experience required; automotive industry experience preferred.
• Experience supporting product launches, capital investments, or project management activities preferred.
• Experience working within a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong financial analysis and cost accounting skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with SAP or other ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Why SMP Alabama?

We recognize that our team members are our greatest asset. That's why we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 120 Hours of PTO Annually
• Career Growth and Development Opportunities
• Global Advancement Opportunities within the Motherson Group

SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.