Cost Controlling Specialist

Operations Finance Analyst/Plant Master Data Administrator

The Operations Finance Analyst/Plant Master Data Administrator serves a pivotal cross-functional role, ensuring the accurate and timely calculation and reporting of plant financial results under the shared guidance of the Technology Manager and Operations Finance Manager. This role is integral to supporting multiple departments and driving operational excellence by identifying performance gaps relative to financial targets and fostering informed, data-driven decision-making across the plant's operations. The position requires collaboration, analytical rigor, and proficiency in managing complex financial datasets and master data to support strategic business objectives.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

Budgeting & Standard Costing (X+1 Budget Support)

• Support collection and preparation of data for the X+1 budget and financial plan. • Discuss norms and standards with departmental management. • Manage CO master data and standard cost prices to ensure accurate margin analysis. • Analyze standard cost changes and communicate fluctuations to teams. • Identify critical production parameters that may affect financial outcomes.

Business Performance & Cost Management Support

• Run routine reports on expenses, cost data, inventories, and recharges. • Support management in evaluating efficiency of production systems and overhead budgets. • Maintain dashboards and support improvements in cash conversion cost. • Analyze financial and cost information for ad hoc requests. • Validate departmental expenses and cost transfers. • Ensure timely registration of BOM usage and cash cost elements. • Monitor internal controls and ensure compliance with group policies.

Period Closing & Financial Reporting

• Ensure cost center accuracy and set accruals when needed. • Validate sales and conduct margin analyses. • Validate inventory monthly and at year-end. • Track scrap and reject levels and review inventory corrections. • Analyze cost variances and report findings to management. • Prepare reports on plant performance and cost trends. • Support consolidation reporting requirements.

Investment Analysis

• Verify completeness and accuracy of tangible asset records. • Assist with evaluation of investment files. • Participate in related studies and capital projects. • Support verification of BMS savings calculations.

Process Engineering Administration & Maintenance Support

• Perform SAP recipe and process order updates. • Create purchase requisitions. • Prepare trial packets and support new product development. • Assist with USPS processes and office supply ordering. • Provide reporting for Process Engineering.

Other Support

• Support with workforce reporting and labor cost analysis. • Assist with timekeeping and headcount tracking. • Prepare HR-related audit and compliance reports. • Assist with training compliance reporting.

IT & Master Data Support

• Support accuracy of SAP process flows and master data management.

Skills

• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to dissect complex financial data, identify trends, and uncover actionable cost-saving opportunities that drive operational efficiency.
• Meticulous attention to detail combined with a commitment to data accuracy and reliability in all reporting and budget preparation tasks.
• Excellent verbal and written communication capabilities, enabling clear presentation of financial information and collaborative engagement with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with cost accounting software and advanced financial reporting tools to streamline financial analysis and reporting processes.
• Strong problem-solving aptitude to identify, investigate, and resolve financial discrepancies and cost-related issues effectively.
• Comprehensive understanding of relevant accounting principles, compliance standards, and internal control frameworks to ensure adherence to regulatory and organizational policies.
• Practical experience working with SAP, including master data management, process flow optimization, and transaction processing within a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating adaptability and proactive initiative to meet deadlines.

Previous Experience

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years’ professional experience in cost accounting, financial analysis, or related accounting roles, ideally within a manufacturing or production setting.
• Proven track record of utilizing accounting software and financial reporting platforms to perform detailed cost analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Experience collaborating with various departments to align financial data with operational activities and support integrated plant management.
• Familiarity with SAP systems in a financial context, including tasks related to master data administration and process order updates.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in investment evaluations and capital project studies, contributing analytical rigor and financial insight.
• History of contributing to internal control and compliance functions, ensuring adherence to financial policies and standards.

Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Additional certifications in cost accounting, financial analysis, or SAP proficiency are considered advantageous and supportive of advanced competency in the role.
• Continuous professional development in finance and accounting standards to maintain up-to-date knowledge on regulatory changes and best practices.
• Strong foundation in business mathematics, statistics, and information systems to aid in complex data analysis and decision support.