Cost and Financial Performance Analyst

Position Summary:

The Cost and Financial Performance Analyst plays a critical role in analyzing the company’s financial performance, assessing financial risks, and recommending strategic improvements to strengthen the financial health of the organization. This role is responsible for analyzing cost structures, developing competitive labor and machine rates, and identifying cost-saving opportunities across production, customer projects, and the supply chain. The analyst works closely with finance, engineering, and operations to ensure accurate costing, strategic alignment, and continuous improvement in a high-precision manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and evaluate labor and machine rates specific to fabrication processes such as welding, CNC machining, assembly, and finishing.
• Perform detailed cost control analysis across fabrication projects, supply chain activities, and production runs to drive efficiency and margin improvement.
• Identify and close gaps between "should-be" and actual costs through root cause analysis and collaboration with production and operations teams.
• Monitor and report on cost variances, production inefficiencies, and risk exposures; recommend corrective actions to improve cost performance.
• Support the development of standard costs, overhead allocation models, and operational budgets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to validate BOMs, routings, and work center costs in ERP/MRP systems.
• Conduct market and internal benchmarking to ensure that cost rates remain competitive and aligned with industry trends.
• Support pricing decisions, quoting, and capital investment evaluations through accurate cost modeling.
• Assist in the implementation of cost accounting best practices and system enhancements in coordination with Finance and IT teams.
• Prepare and present actionable financial reports to support strategic decision-making by senior leadership.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with job costing and make-to-order environments.
• Understanding of Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience supporting fabrication operations, including welding, CNC machining, metal forming, and mechanical assembly, with a strong understanding of cost drivers and operational workflows.
• Advanced understanding of financial risk principles, cost control, and internal audit methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in modeling risk scenarios and assessing controls.
• Proficiency in utilizing financial analysis techniques and decision-support tools.
• Effective communicator with the ability to explain risk-based findings and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple risk-driven projects.
• Proficient in ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting software.
• Familiarity with regulations and reporting requirements under local GAAP and IFRS.
• Commitment to continuous learning in financial technologies and risk methodologies.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Engineering, or related field (MBA or CMA a plus).
• 5 years of experience in cost accounting or financial analysis within industrial manufacturing or fabrication.
• Experience developing and validating labor and machine rates in a production or job shop environment.
• Strong working knowledge of cost accounting principles, ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite), and advanced Excel.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze manufacturing variances and identify operational improvement opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with shop floor, engineering, and executive teams.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times (e.g., files, office equipment).
• Ability to move around the facility and occasionally visit production areas, which may include walking and standing.
• Must be able to concentrate and remain focused in an open office environment with potential distractions.
• Occasional travel may be required for training or coordination with other VDL locations.