Senior Cost Analyst - Manufacturing Operations & Profitability

firstPRO, Inc; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

firstPro in Acton, MA seeks a Senior Financial Analyst/Cost Accountant to partner with factory operations, driving cost control and profitability. The role focuses on analyzing factory costs, budgeting, and strategic financial support for manufacturing initiatives.

You will collaborate closely with Plant Controller, Finance Manager, and cross-functional teams to optimize labor utilization, overheads, and cost reporting while upholding SOX controls and audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 3–5+ years cost accounting/financial analysis experience in manufacturing or plant environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze factory operating expenses (labor, materials, utilities, overhead).
• Prepare monthly financial and statistical reporting with variance analysis.
• Partner with Plant Controller on budgets, forecasts, and labor utilization.
• Ensure SOX compliance and assist with audits (internal/external).
• Identify cost trends and provide recommendations to improve cost control.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to understand cost drivers.
• Support inventory accounting, storeroom valuation, fixed assets, CIP, and asset audits.
• Ensure data accuracy and alignment with internal controls and standards.
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis for operational initiatives.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Manufacturing operations

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

firstPro in Acton, MA seeks a Senior Financial Analyst/Cost Accountant to partner with factory operations, driving cost control and profitability. The role focuses on analyzing factory costs, budgeting, and strategic financial support for manufacturing initiatives.

You will collaborate closely with Plant Controller, Finance Manager, and cross-functional teams to optimize labor utilization, overheads, and cost reporting while upholding SOX controls and audits.