Financial Cost Analyst

Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Financial Cost Analyst to join their finance team. This role sits at the intersection of accounting and finance, supporting core accounting functions while driving insights through financial and operational analysis. The ideal candidate will bring experience in manufacturing cost accounting, inventory analysis, and financial reporting, along with strong technical skills in Excel and Power BI. This role will require you to work 2-3 days at their downtown Chicago office. Key Responsibilities Accounting & Close Process Prepare and review monthly journal entries and maintain the integrity of the general ledger Perform balance sheet account reconciliations and investigate variances Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes Manufacturing Cost & Inventory Analysis Analyze standard vs. actual costs, including labor, materials, and overhead variances Monitor inventory valuation, reserves, and obsolescence trends Partner with operations to understand production costs and identify efficiency opportunities Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs Financial Reporting & Audit Support Assist in preparation of internal financial reports and management reporting packages Support external and internal audit processes, including preparing schedules and responding to auditor requests Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal controls (SOX experience a plus) Financial Analysis & Business Partnering Develop and maintain financial models, dashboards, and KPIs using Excel and Power BI Analyze trends in revenue, margins, and operating costs to support decision-making Partner cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and leadership teams to provide actionable insights Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 3–5 years of relevant experience in accounting and/or financial analysis, preferably within a manufacturing environment Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory accounting, and financial reporting Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis) Experience with Power BI or similar data visualization tools Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar) J-18808-Ljbffr