Senior Cost Analyst

ebs Recruiters; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Cost Analyst in St. Louis to analyze and report on manufacturing costs and inventory. The role involves collaborating across departments to align on cost strategies, analyzing cost variances, and overseeing inventory management. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance and 3-5 years of cost accounting experience. Strong analytical and ERP proficiency are required, with advanced Excel skills preferred.

Qualifications

• 3 - 5 years of cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of standard costing and variance analysis.
• Experience with month-end journal entries and COGS reporting.

Responsibilities

• Compile and analyze manufacturing and operational data to identify cost trends.
• Investigate variances in costs and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare month-end reports including COGS-related entries.
• Oversee inventory valuations and audits.

Skills

Cost accounting experience

Proficiency in ERP systems

Advanced Excel skills

Analytical abilities

Strong communication skills

Education

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

Job description

Senior Cost Analyst

Position Summary: The Senior Cost Analyst will be responsible for compiling, analyzing, and reporting on data related to manufacturing costs, inventory, and cost of goods sold (COGS). This role plays a key part in supporting financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making through cost analysis, inventory management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Compile and analyze manufacturing and operational data to identify cost trends, variances, and performance indicators.
• Compare standard material and labor costs to actuals; investigate variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform month-end tasks including posting standard cost of goods sold and preparing related reports.
• Oversee inventory valuation, reconciliations, and audit transaction accuracy.
• Assist in coordinating and executing year-end physical inventory audits.
• Partner with operations, procurement, and finance teams to ensure alignment on cost strategy and financial goals.
• Provide insights into cost drivers and support cost-reduction initiatives.
• Contribute to special projects and initiatives as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 3 - 5 years of cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Inventory and manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting.
• Proficiency in ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel skills (including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and data analysis tools).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Experience with month-end journal entries and COGS reporting.

Seniority Level

Mid-Senior level

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Function

Accounting/Auditing

Industries

Manufacturing