Cost Analyst II

Vollrath Careers•Sheboygan, WI

About The Position

The purpose of the Cost Analyst II position is to help Vollrath succeed by compiling variance and spend data, performing analysis, and sharing relevant information and actionable insights with those in a position to directly influence performance in these areas. This role plays a critical role in annual budgeting and standard cost development. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, & OTHER DUTIES Prepare, review, analyze, and interpret monthly manufacturing spending and variance account details. Determine root causes by combining transaction-level financial analysis with information gathering from operations personnel. Anticipate questions and propose possible solutions for problem areas. Work with operations personnel to understand the drivers of specific variances and serve as a business partner to help identify how to improve financial results. Preparation of the annual budgets for all manufacturing plants. This includes understanding payroll expenses, spending items, manufacturing variances, and cost allocations. Provide detailed analysis of the manufacturing variance and spending accounts and how changes/improvements will impact the next year’s plan. Assist in the preparation for the yearly standard cost roll by compiling budget and operational data for the development of overhead rates and cost adders. Perform all month end duties timely and accurately in order to ensure accurate financial and management reporting. Serve as a business partner with cost reduction projects by defining and measuring savings, updating project savings results, forecasting future savings, and making sure project details are complete and up to date. Prepare make vs. buy and other cost analyses to support ongoing marketing, procurement, and production activities. May assist in the training of less experienced team members. Assist in other projects or duties as assigned by the Cost Accounting Manager. WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in a typical office setting. Ability to sit at a computer or meeting for extended periods of time. Ability to walk the production floor with possible uneven surfaces. Ability to exert up to 10 pounds occasionally and sit most of the time, with walking and standing required only some of the time. Travel to other manufacturing facilities (<5%). SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES No supervisory responsibilities are required for this position. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum of 3 years of analytical accounting experience. 5+ years of analytical accounting experience, preferably in cost accounting. Minimum Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting or finance. Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting and a CPA or CMA certification preferred. A strong self-starting individual with tenacity, a sense of purpose, and a resourceful and collaborative attitude. A consistent pattern of seeking out and successfully completing projects, digging to determine root causes and finding solutions, and serving as a collaborative business partner with other functional areas. Very strong analytical and problem-solving skills and a broad technical background. Very good oral and written communication skills for dealing with all levels within the organization. Ability to perform advanced excel functions such as pivot tables, filters, sorting, complex formulas, and graphs. Experience in JDE or other ERP systems and the ability to create ad hoc financial reports using a database report writing tool are preferred. Visual acuity to perform activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures. VOLLRATH'S CORE VALUES Take Ownership: Our intention is to match our actions with our words, building trust with others. We are united in taking responsibility for the success of Vollrath as a whole. Empower Action: Our intention is to create a workplace where every member can thrive in their growth and contributions with excitement, confidence, and psychological safety. We support each team member with resources and tools to strengthen collaboration and performance. Treat All People With Respect: Our intention is to recognize the diverse experiences, styles, and backgrounds of others, treating everyone with dignity. We aim to foster an inclusive culture where all team members can be their authentic selves and feel safe in voicing their perspectives. Life Beyond Work: Our intention is to care for the well-being of every individual we engage with, understanding them as a whole person. We strive to keep people mentally and physically safe, sending each person home in a condition to build a fulfilling life beyond work. We encourage balance, allowing our colleagues to pursue their passions. Commitment to Those Who Count on Us: Our intention is to drive innovation and practical solutions through understanding the needs of our coworkers, customers, owners, and communities. We are dedicated to proactively addressing those needs and delivering results.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of analytical accounting experience.
Minimum Bachelor's degree with a major in accounting or finance.
A strong self-starting individual with tenacity, a sense of purpose, and a resourceful and collaborative attitude.
A consistent pattern of seeking out and successfully completing projects, digging to determine root causes and finding solutions, and serving as a collaborative business partner with other functional areas.
Very strong analytical and problem-solving skills and a broad technical background.
Very good oral and written communication skills for dealing with all levels within the organization.
Ability to perform advanced excel functions such as pivot tables, filters, sorting, complex formulas, and graphs.
Visual acuity to perform activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures.

Nice To Haves

5+ years of analytical accounting experience, preferably in cost accounting.
Bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting and a CPA or CMA certification preferred.
Experience in JDE or other ERP systems and the ability to create ad hoc financial reports using a database report writing tool are preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare, review, analyze, and interpret monthly manufacturing spending and variance account details.
Determine root causes by combining transaction-level financial analysis with information gathering from operations personnel.
Anticipate questions and propose possible solutions for problem areas.
Work with operations personnel to understand the drivers of specific variances and serve as a business partner to help identify how to improve financial results.
Preparation of the annual budgets for all manufacturing plants. This includes understanding payroll expenses, spending items, manufacturing variances, and cost allocations.
Provide detailed analysis of the manufacturing variance and spending accounts and how changes/improvements will impact the next year’s plan.
Assist in the preparation for the yearly standard cost roll by compiling budget and operational data for the development of overhead rates and cost adders.
Perform all month end duties timely and accurately in order to ensure accurate financial and management reporting.
Serve as a business partner with cost reduction projects by defining and measuring savings, updating project savings results, forecasting future savings, and making sure project details are complete and up to date.
Prepare make vs. buy and other cost analyses to support ongoing marketing, procurement, and production activities.
May assist in the training of less experienced team members.
Assist in other projects or duties as assigned by the Cost Accounting Manager.