Senior Financial Operations Analyst

Senior Financial AnalystLocation: Port Arthur, TexasReports to: General Manager, Standard AlloysFunctional alignment with: Regional / USA FinancePosition SummaryThe Senior Financial Analyst strengthens cost transparency, product profitability visibility, and operational financial steering at Standard Alloys.This role serves as the financial bridge between Operations and Finance at plant level, ensuring reliable cost structures, accurate standard costing, and clear variance analysis. The position is hands-on and requires close collaboration with Operations, Industrial Engineering, and plant leadership.The role focuses on cost accounting integrity and operational profitability transparency. Financial accounting, closing, compliance, treasury, and ERP governance remain under the responsibility of the VP of Finance.Key ResponsibilitiesCost Accounting & Standard Cost IntegrityOwn and maintain plant standard costing structureValidate and recalibrate cost center ratesEnsure reliable separation of variable (product-related) and fixed (structure/capacity-related) costsMonitor absorption logic and identify over-/under-absorption driversCost Accounting FrameworkApply structured manufacturing cost accounting principles aligned with KSB’s established methodologyMaintain contribution margin transparency to support operational decision-makingContinuously improve cost clarity in alignment with Group standardsSupport disciplined cost logic during ERP transition and system changes(KSB applies a structured manufacturing cost philosophy comparable to advanced European cost accounting systems; experience in similar environments is beneficial.)Product & Process ProfitabilityProvide clear product-level and part-family profitability transparencyAnalyze contribution margins and identify structural margin gapsSupport pricing discussions with cost-based insightsEnsure alignment between cost assumptions and operational realityRouting, Labor and Cost Structure ValidationBuild on existing operational analyses of standard versus actual labor performanceValidate and institutionalize labor standards and routing assumptions in collaboration with Industrial EngineeringEnsure cost center rates, routings, and BOM structures accurately reflect operational realityTranslate known efficiency variances into structured cost steering and margin transparencyEnsure cost-related data integrity and consistency within ERPOperational Cost and Variance SteeringConvert identified labor and overhead variance drivers into disciplined cost monitoring and steering mechanismsTranslate operational performance and efficiency gaps into measurable financial impactSupport the GM and Operations in understanding EBIT drivers and prioritizing improvement actionsDistinguish structural cost issues from short-term operational fluctuationERP Transition SupportSupport cost logic during ERP transitionEnsure validated cost structures are properly migratedIdentify system-related distortions vs. operational issuesScope DelimitationThe Senior Financial Analyst focuses on cost transparency, product costing, and operational financial steering.The VP of Finance remains responsible for:Financial accounting and closingCompliance and external reportingTreasuryERP governanceThis separation keeps accounting stable while strengthening cost depth and operational visibility at plant level.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field8-12+ years of manufacturing finance experienceStrong background in standard costing environmentsExperience in plant-level cost accountingStrong understanding of manufacturing processes, labor standards, routing logic, and capacity driverProven ability to work effectively with Industrial Engineering and Operations teamsERP experience in a manufacturing environment (implementation exposure preferred)Strong analytical skills with hands-on data capabilityPreferred:Experience in heavy manufacturing or industrial equipmentExposure to high-mix / engineered-to-order environmentsFamiliarity with structured cost accounting systems that clearly separate variable (product) and fixed (structure) costsAdditional QualificationsHands-on and operationally orientedComfortable working directly with shop-floor teamsAble to challenge assumptions constructivelyStructured, data-driven, and independent