Strategic Cost Analyst — Manufacturing & Margin

MSI Express, INC; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MSI Express, INC is seeking a cost accountant to support the operations team in analyzing cost drivers, inventories, and overhead within a manufacturing environment. You will collect data, study costs, and contribute to month-end close.

The role focuses on PPV analysis, margin analysis, standard costs, and continuous improvement of cost accounting processes. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in Accounting and 5–7 years of experience, with strong Excel and ERP (D365) proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• 5–7 years cost accounting or financial analysis experience.
• Experience in manufacturing/CPG a plus.
• Proficient Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables).
• ERP experience; MS D365 a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of accounting principles.
• Ability to communicate results to diverse audiences.
• Adaptable in fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Inquisitive and proactive mindset.

Responsibilities

• Plan, study, and collect data to determine costs of activities such as inventory, raw material purchases, labor, and overhead.
• PPV (Purchase Price Variance) analysis and reporting.
• Margin analysis on material revenue vs material costs, including yield/scrap loss analysis.
• Assist in month-end close of the general ledger, including posting journal entries.
• General ledger account reconciliations.
• Reconcile inventories and analyze periodic changes to balances.
• Assist with external and internal audits.
• Continuous improvement of cost accounting functions and processes.
• Ad hoc reporting and analysis.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Analytical skills

Communication of results

Fast-paced environment

Proactive mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Excel

D365 ERP

Nulogy WMS/MRP

Job description

MSI Express, INC is seeking a cost accountant to support the operations team in analyzing cost drivers, inventories, and overhead within a manufacturing environment. You will collect data, study costs, and contribute to month-end close.

The role focuses on PPV analysis, margin analysis, standard costs, and continuous improvement of cost accounting processes. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in Accounting and 5–7 years of experience, with strong Excel and ERP (D365) proficiency.