Senior Cost Analyst

firstPRO, Inc; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

firstPRO, Inc in Acton, MA is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst for Factory Operations to partner with plant leadership and drive manufacturing performance through rigorous cost analysis and forecasting.

You will own budgeting and reporting processes, analyze variances, and support cost reduction initiatives while collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• 5+ years of financial analysis experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and manufacturing operations.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with an ERP system (SAP/Oracle).
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze factory operating expenses (labor, materials, utilities, overhead).
• Prepare monthly financial and statistical reporting with detailed variance analysis.
• Collaborate with Plant Controller and Finance Manager on budgets, forecasts, and labor utilization.
• Identify cost trends and propose actions to improve cost control and efficiency.
• Work with Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to understand key cost drivers.
• Support inventory accounting, asset valuation, CIP, and fixed asset audits.
• Participate in annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting.
• Ensure data accuracy and alignment with internal controls and accounting standards.
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis for operational initiatives.

Skills

Financial analysis

Manufacturing experience

Cost accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Accounting

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Senior Financial Analyst – Factory Operations

Acton, MA | On-Site 5 Days/Week

We’re seeking a Senior Financial Analyst – Factory Operations to join a growing manufacturing organization in Acton, MA. This is a highly visible role partnering directly with plant leadership to analyze costs, improve efficiency, and provide financial insights that directly impact manufacturing performance.

Are you a strong financial analyst with manufacturing experience who enjoys getting close to the business and using data to drive operational decisions?

We’re seeking a Senior Financial Analyst – Factory Operations to join a growing manufacturing organization in Acton, MA. This is a highly visible role partnering directly with plant leadership to analyze costs, improve efficiency, and provide financial insights that directly impact manufacturing performance.

What You’ll Do

• Monitor and analyze factory operating expenses, including labor, materials, utilities, and overhead
• Prepare monthly financial and statistical reporting, including detailed variance analysis
• Partner with the Plant Controller and Finance Manager on budgets, forecasts, and labor utilization
• Identify cost trends and provide recommendations to improve cost control and operational efficiency
• Work closely with Operations, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to understand key cost drivers
• Support inventory accounting, maintenance storeroom valuation, fixed assets, CIP, and fixed asset audits
• Participate in annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes
• Ensure financial data is accurate and aligned with internal controls and accounting standards
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis to support operational initiatives and performance reviews

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• 5+ years of financial analysis experience, ideally within a manufacturing or plant environment
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and manufacturing operations
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with an ERP system such as SAP, Oracle, or similar
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Nice to Have

• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or other data visualization tools
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and operational KPIs
• Experience with inventory accounting and production cost tracking

Why This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity to move beyond traditional financial reporting and become a key financial partner to manufacturing leadership. Your analysis and recommendations will directly influence cost management, operational efficiency, budgeting, and plant performance.

You’ll have the opportunity to work closely with a hands-on finance and operations team while gaining meaningful exposure to the full spectrum of manufacturing finance and plant operations.