Manufacturing Cost Analyst

Driven by a commitment to research, quality, and service, PDI provides innovative products, educational resources, training, and support to prevent infection transmission and promote health and wellness. Encompassing three areas, our Healthcare, Sani Professional and Contract manufacturing divisions, we develop, manufacture, and distribute leading edge products for North America and the world. We have several locations across the US and are looking for new Associates to join our team!

POSITION PURPOSE

The Manufacturing Cost Analyst supports the manufacturing finance function by ensuring accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and analysis of material, labor, and overhead costs. Reporting to the Director of Cost Accounting, this individual contributor role is responsible for maintaining standard cost integrity, performing detailed variance analysis, and providing actionable financial insights to operations and leadership.

The position partners closely with manufacturing, supply chain, and procurement to identify cost drivers, investigate variances, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The Cost Analyst delivers timely and reliable financial analysis to support month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, and operational decision-making.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Maintain and analyze standard costs for raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods within the ERP system (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365), ensuring accuracy and data integrity.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes by preparing journal entries related to cost of goods sold, inventory adjustments, and manufacturing variances.
• Perform detailed variance analysis including material usage, purchase price, labor efficiency, overhead absorption, scrap, and yield variances.
• Partner with manufacturing and supply chain teams to investigate root causes of variances and provide data-driven recommendations for corrective action.
• Lead cost roll-ups and support new item setup, bill of material (BOM) validation, routing reviews, and annual standard cost updates.
• Reconcile WIP, inventory valuation, and production order data between systems to ensure financial accuracy and compliance with GAAP.
• Develop, track, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost per unit, absorption rates, scrap percentages, and production yield to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Assist in annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes by preparing cost estimates, evaluating production plans, and modeling financial impact of cost changes.
• Participate in cycle counts and physical inventory audits; provide cost validation, reconciliation support, and documentation for internal and external auditors.
• Provide analytical support for capital expenditure (CAPEX) analysis, make-versus-buy decisions, margin analysis, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Support internal control compliance related to inventory and cost accounting processes.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

• Accuracy and integrity of standard costs and inventory valuation
• Timeliness and quality of variance analysis and actionable insights
• Adherence to month-end and year-end close deadlines
• Effectiveness of audit support and internal control compliance
• Contribution to cost savings and operational improvement initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA or CMA certification (or progress toward certification) preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:

• Strong understanding of standard costing methodologies, absorption costing, variance analysis, and GAAP inventory valuation principles.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and cost drivers.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 3-5 years of cost accounting or cost analysis experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data modeling)
• Experience with ERP systems; Microsoft Dynamics 365 experience preferred
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI is a plus
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication skills with cross-functional partners

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Corporate
• Warehouse (occasionally)

SALARY RANGE

• $85,000 - $100,000 annually, plus bonus

PDI is pleased to offer a comprehensive and affordable benefits program to our associates, which includes:

• Medical & prescription drug coverage
• Dental / Vision plan
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Basic and supplemental life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Short- and long-term disability benefits
• Health Advocacy Program / Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Many other voluntary benefit plans and perks such as: Legal assistance, critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident coverage, discounted home/auto/rental insurance, employee discounts and pet insurance, tuition assistance, referral bonus program, paid parental leave, a health club rebate program and more

At PDI, we are also committed to helping our associates maintain a healthy and sustainable work/life balance and are proud to provide: Sick leave, generous vacation and holiday time, paid parental leave, summer hours, flex place/flex time options