Operations Analyst

Opportunity

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Operations Analyst to support operational efficiency and financial performance in our manufacturing facility. This role bridges operations and finance by providing critical insights through data analysis, supporting cost accounting functions, and performing general accounting tasks. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, manufacturing environment experience, and a solid understanding of accounting principles.

Reporting Structure

Reports to the Cost Accounting Manager and is located in Mundelein, IL.

Responsibilities

• Assist with standard cost development, variance analysis, and cost rollups for products and processes.
• Monitor material, labor, and overhead costs to ensure accurate costing and reporting.
• Reconcile actual vs. standard costs and investigate significant variances.
• Support inventory valuation and cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis.
• Analyze production data, identify trends, and provide insights to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing operations and prepare regular performance reports.
• Support production planning, inventory management, and workflow optimization through data-driven recommendations.
• Partner with operations and engineering teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end closing activities related to operations.
• Assist with fixed asset tracking, construction, and progress, and fixed assets tracking, including justification and payback analysis for manufacturing equipment.
• Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and analysis.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards.

Other Duties/ Responsibilities

• Recommend changes to the company’s processes and policies to reduce costs and maximize profit
• Advising executives and upper management on appropriate costing based on financial data
• Recommend strategies to CFO and Operations Finance Manager
• Maintain knowledge on all current trends
• Assist with the quarterly physical inventories
• Work on special projects as required
• Monthly review of financial statements and analysis.
• Providing timely and accurate financial information to drive the profitability of the business.
• Providing assistance in understanding costs, variances, and applicable operating measures.
• Providing training and support related to cost accounting principles, best practices, and the use of the ERP system.
• Providing ad-hoc analysis and other information to support decision-making.
• Periodic review and analysis of departmental manufacturing and purchase burden rates to ensure accurate inventory costing.
• Monitor inventory transactions and processes to ensure accuracy and compliance with corporate policies; following up to rectify or escalate as appropriate.
• Use corporate resources and reporting systems to provide high-level support to capital expenditure justification, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, in addition to annual fixed asset physical inventories.
• Proactively identify potential cost accounting challenges and coordinate issue resolution/problem solving with applicable functional teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance
• 2 years experience in cost accounting
• Proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office products
• Superior knowledge of financial reporting software tools and ERP software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar).
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles & Cost Accounting Standards
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.
• CPA, CMA, or progress toward certification a plus.
• Knowledge of GAAP and manufacturing cost structures.