Manufacturing Operations Financial Analyst

Job Title: Cost AnalystJob DescriptionThe Cost Analyst supports the Controller and site operations teams by managing key financial and accounting processes within a manufacturing environment. This role serves as a core member of the site finance and accounting team, with a strong focus on inventory, forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and cost accounting. The Cost Analyst manages and maintains the cost accounting system, oversees cost of goods sold and cost of goods produced reporting, and provides clear, data-driven insight into financial operating results. Acting as a strategic business partner, this position collaborates closely with leaders and cross-functional teams in finance and operations to improve financial performance and support informed decision-making.

Responsibilities• Support the Controller and site operations teams with day-to-day financial and accounting processes.

• Manage and maintain the cost accounting system to ensure accurate and timely recording of costs.
• Oversee and prepare cost of goods sold and cost of goods produced reporting for the manufacturing site.
• Perform detailed variance analysis to identify drivers of manufacturing performance and cost fluctuations.
• Lead and support forecasting and budgeting activities, including preparation, review, and analysis of financial plans.
• Analyze inventory levels, movements, and valuation to ensure accuracy and support operational decision-making.
• Develop and maintain standard costing for products and processes, and analyze manufacturing variances against standards.
• Assist with month-end close activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Prepare and deliver clear financial reports, dashboards, and analyses to finance and operations leadership.
• Use Excel tools such as pivot tables and VLOOKUP to organize, analyze, and present financial data.
• Leverage ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, SAGE, NetSuite, or Infor to extract and validate financial information.
• Provide insight and recommendations based on financial operating results to support business decisions and performance improvement.
• Act as a business partner to teams and leaders across finance and operations, collaborating on initiatives to optimize costs and efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement of financial processes, reporting, and controls within the site.

Essential Skills• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.

• At least 3 years of variance analysis experience within a manufacturing company.
• At least 3 years of forecasting and budgeting experience.
• At least 3 years of inventory experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with cost accounting and cost analysis in a production or manufacturing setting.
• Strong financial analysis skills, including the ability to interpret and explain manufacturing variances and cost drivers.
• Proficiency in creating and using pivot tables and VLOOKUP functions in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience working within ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, SAGE, NetSuite, or Infor.
• Ability to work with bills of materials (BOM) and understand their impact on product costing and inventory.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in financial data and reporting.
• Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with multiple priorities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications• Experience with advanced cost accounting methodologies and standard costing in manufacturing.

• Background in inventory cost analysis and optimization.
• Familiarity with multiple ERP platforms and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently without micromanagement while maintaining high accountability.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in finance and operations.

Work EnvironmentThis position is based fully onsite at a manufacturing facility, providing direct exposure to production operations and inventory processes. The role involves working closely with finance and operations teams in a collaborative environment that values autonomy and trust, with leadership that does not micromanage. You will work primarily with financial systems and ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, SAGE, NetSuite, or Infor, as well as Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting. The onsite setting allows for regular interaction with production and inventory personnel, supporting accurate costing and timely financial insights.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Allentown, PA.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Allentown,PA.

Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 30, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.