Cost Analysts

Job Summary

The Cost Analyst evaluates production costs, labor efficiency, material usage, and overhead to improve cost accuracy and support better business decisions. This role works closely with Order Engineering, Estimating, Production, the Controller, the CEO, and the President to strengthen quoting inputs and identify cost saving opportunities across the company.

What You Will Do

• Collect and analyze cost data related to labor, materials, scrap, overhead, and production efficiency.
• Prepare cost reports, dashboards, and monthly variance analyses and support budgeting, forecasting, and month end close.
• Maintain and update cost models and standard costs and provide cost feedback to Estimating to improve quoting accuracy.
• Review cost variances with cross functional teams and explain material, labor, and overhead differences.
• Track material pricing changes, supplier fluctuations, and component usage and communicate cost impacts.
• Analyze scrap, waste, yield, and equipment efficiency and report cost implications to leadership.
• Develop cost models for new products, materials, and customer requirements.
• Review cost data from Production, Order Engineering, and Procurement to confirm costing accuracy.
• Support month end reconciliation by validating cost data and reviewing cost impacts.
• Participate in cost deviation reviews, root cause analysis, and process improvement initiatives.
• Prepare profitability and margin analysis by customer, product line, or material group.
• Build and maintain cost tracking dashboards and validate cost data in ERP systems.
• Work directly with the CEO and President on cost saving opportunities across Ventura and Skokie and support improvements in the estimating process.
• Provide cost awareness support or training to teams involved in quoting and production planning.
• Maintain accurate cost documentation and prepare reports and summaries for leadership.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory costing.
• Ability to analyze cost trends and understand how materials, labor, and overhead affect total cost.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and data interpretation skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and strong time management.
• Ability to adapt to changes in production and material pricing.
• Ability to communicate findings clearly and support leadership decision making.
• Strong confidentiality, accountability, and ethical judgment.

Physical Requirements

• Sit for long periods while working on a computer.
• Stand or walk during production reviews.
• Lift or move office documents or materials up to 20 pounds.
• Perform repetitive typing or data entry.
• Maintain near vision for reviewing spreadsheets and cost data.

Work Environment

• Office space inside an active manufacturing facility.
• Requires walking through production areas with moderate to loud noise.
• Exposure to temperature changes, dust, dirt, fumes, or odors near manufacturing areas.
• Chemicals may be present that the State of California identifies as potential causes of cancer or reproductive harm.
• Must follow all plant safety rules and posted warnings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Two to five years of experience in cost accounting or manufacturing financial analysis.
• Experience using ERP or cost accounting systems.
• Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, lookups, and financial modeling.
• Experience working with production, engineering, or estimating teams is preferred.
• CPA or CMA is preferred but not required.

Additional Information

Edwards Label is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal access to programs, services and employment is available to all persons.  Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the Human Resources Department.

🏭 Work Environment

• Fast-paced, production-driven environment with moderate to loud noise levels.
• Frequent standing, bending, and lifting up to 35 lbs unassisted (and up to 40 lbs with equipment or assistance).
• Exposure to inks, solvents, and chemicals in accordance with OSHA and Illinois safety standards.
• Chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm may be present at the worksite. In accordance with OSHA and Illinois safety regulations, employees must follow all Hazard Communication and SDS procedures.

⏰ Overtime Policy
Overtime authorization is required in advance. Repeated refusal to work overtime or working overtime without prior approval is considered a violation of company policy.