Aimed at mid-to-senior level cost accounting professionals who can partner across manufacturing and finance functions.
Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.
Original posting from Pella
Senior Cost Management Analyst
Troy, OH
The Senior Cost Management Analyst serves as the on-site finance partner and cost accounting subject-matter expert for the Troy, Ohio plant. This role partners closely with Plant Leadership, Manufacturing, Engineering, Purchasing, and Corporate Finance/FP&A to improve visibility to plant performance, strengthen cost and inventory controls, and support decision-making through accurate reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Success in this role is measured by timely/accurate inventory valuation and reporting, clear variance explanations that drive corrective actions, and sustained progress against productivity and cost commitments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned)
FP&A, plant performance, and decision supportPartner with manufacturing leaders to analyze manufacturing costs, performance drivers, and profitability; translate results into clear actions and recommendations.Develop, maintain, and publish performance measurement tools/dashboards for targeted manufacturing areas (labor, overhead, yield/waste, and other key drivers) to improve decision-making across levels of the organization.Inventory, controls, and audit readinessOwn inventory accuracy, reporting, and valuation for the Troy plant; establish and improve processes to ensure timely, accurate transactions (receipts, issues, adjustments, and production reporting).Coordinate and manage year-end physical inventory and periodic cycle counts/WIP audits; investigate variances, drive corrective actions, and document root causes and controls.Support month-end/quarter-end close activities for plant operations, including review of inventory-related entries, accruals, and manufacturing variances; prepare clear explanations for leadership reviews.Partner with Engineering/Operations on standard cost and process change impacts (e.g., BOM/routing changes where applicable) to ensure cost accuracy and strong change controls.Maintain strong internal controls and audit readiness for plant financial processes; ensure documentation is current and support internal/external audit requests as needed.Budgeting, forecasting, and productivity improvementLead and coordinate the quarterly forecasting and annual budgeting processes for plant manufacturing costs, including labor, overhead, waste/yield, and key operating assumptions.Identify productivity and cost reduction opportunities with Manufacturing, Engineering, Marketing/Brand, and Finance; document initiatives, quantify benefits, track progress, and provide regular visibility to results.Present key performance insights and financial results to plant leadership on a regular cadence; facilitate discussions that drive corrective actions and sustain improvements.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) in Accounting, Finance, Business, Operations, or a related field from a four-year college or university; and 5+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing finance, cost accounting, and/or plant FP&A (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). Experience partnering with operations and driving performance improvement is strongly preferred.
Computer Skills
Advanced proficiency in Excel (modeling, pivot tables, lookups, and data validation). Proficient in Word and PowerPoint. Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing/cost accounting modules required. Power BI (or similar BI/reporting tools) experience preferred.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This role is based at a manufacturing plant and requires regular time on the production floor. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas in accordance with site safety policies.
The noise level in the work environment is moderate 50 percent of the time and loud 50 percent of the time.
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About Pella Corporation
As the #1 most-preferred national window and door brand by homeowners across the country, Pella Corporation leads the industry in innovation and design. Founded in 1925, today the Pella Family of Brands encompasses a robust product offering sold and installed through various channels. We are a growing, privately owned company with 20 manufacturing locations and over 10,000 team members in the U.S. and Canada. Pella is consistently recognized as a great place to work by Newsweek, Forbes and Glassdoor, having most recently been named to America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity by Newsweek in 2024, as well as Forbes' 2024 Best Employers for Women and Best-In-State Employer in Iowa. We have also received numerous accolades for innovation and design, including Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2024 and Most Innovative Manufacturers for 2022 and 2023.
At Pella, our team cares deeply, learns continuously and achieves results that go beyond. We encourage creative thinking that seeks out and includes diverse perspectives. And we empower you to do the work you’re most proud of — that’s why we offer individualized talent development plans, cross-functional experiences and opportunities for career advancement through personal and professional development.
With talent just like you, we are imagining, building and fighting for a brighter future for generations to come. Ready to find a career that sparks your passion?
Source: Pella careers