What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Analyst position at GSW Manufacturing?
Harness Your Future!
Are you an analytical thinker who enjoys turning manufacturing cost data into insights that drive better decisions? GSW Manufacturing, Inc. is seeking a Cost Analyst to support business planning, cost analysis, and operational decision-making within a manufacturing environment. This role is well-suited for candidates with hands-on cost or financial analysis experience, as well as those earlier in their career who are ready to step into a role with ownership and visibility.
You will join our Business Planning Team at our Ohio headquarters and partner closely with operations, finance, and leadership to analyze product costs, productivity, and performance.
Why GSW
GSW Manufacturing is a long-standing, international organization with operations in the U.S. and Mexico. As a smaller, agile company, we offer what larger employers often cannot—visibility into the business, access to leadership, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Our Findlay location provides a high quality of life without the congestion of larger metro areas, while our global footprint offers exposure to diverse operations and perspectives. We focus on steady growth, long-term partnerships, and building careers that last.
What You’ll Do
Cost Modeling & Analysis
- Own and maintain complex manufacturing cost models
- Analyze COGS, labor rates, breakeven, productivity, ROI, and cost-benefit scenarios
- Support and maintain the standard cost system
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, variances, and improvement opportunities
- Perform scenario and sensitivity analysis to support decision-making
- Develop clear, actionable reports and presentations for leadership
Performance Monitoring
- Track and evaluate performance against key business objectives
- Work with KPIs such as product cost, value added, productivity, headcount, and overtime
Strategic & Operational Support
- Contribute to business planning and strategic initiatives, including SWOT analysis
- Identify process inefficiencies and recommend data-driven improvements
- Partner cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and other teams
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Project Leadership
- Lead assigned analytical or improvement projects from analysis through implementation
- Coordinate with multiple stakeholders to meet objectives and timelines
This role partners closely with manufacturing and operations and includes periodic exposure to the production environment and inventory-related activities.
What We’re Looking For
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, industrial engineering, or another quantitative field
Experience
- Experience applying cost accounting, financial analysis, or business planning concepts in a manufacturing or operations-focused environment is strongly preferred
- Candidates earlier in their career with strong analytical capability and relevant manufacturing exposure will also be considered
Technical & Analytical Skills
- Advanced Excel skills, including financial modeling, scenario analysis, and data analysis
- Practical understanding of cost accounting principles, standard costing, COGS, and ROI analysis
- Ability to translate data into insights and recommendations
Even Better If You Have
- Experience with ERP systems, BI tools, Tableau, SQL, Python, or similar platforms
- Exposure to international trade or global supply chain cost considerations
- Project leadership or cross-functional collaboration experience
- Ability to read or speak Spanish or Japanese
What You Can Expect at GSW
At GSW Manufacturing, we believe strong benefits are part of building a strong career—not an afterthought. From your first day, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and life outside of work.
- Immediate medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Medical plans that support routine and preventive care to help you and your family stay healthy
- Access to advanced imaging services (MRI, CT, PET scans) with enhanced coverage when coordinated through our plan
- Virtual primary care, telemedicine, and wellness support programs
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match, fully vested
- Company-paid life and disability coverage for added peace of mind
- Paid holidays, including a company holiday shutdown, plus paid vacation time
- Professional development opportunities and a collaborative, people-focused culture
This is a full-time, exempt, in-person role with standard daytime hours and flexibility as needed to support business needs.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.