Cost Analyst

Launch your finance career as an entry-level Cost Analyst at Kemps! Based at our home office in St. Louis Park, MN. As an entry-level Cost Analyst, you will be responsible for aspects related to cost accounting, cost analysis, and inventory activities. The Cost Analyst works closely with the Cost Accounting Manager, Plant Controllers, Plant Accountants, the Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team, the Purchasing Team, the Research and Development Team, and the Finance Director to facilitate and achieve accurate and timely costing information and to also seek continuous improvement in the analysis of costs across the organization. This position is a key team member, and as such is expected to inspire fellow associates to greater levels of professionalism, quality, productivity, and engagement in the Kemps team and should carry themselves in a way that is consistent with the fundamentals of Kemps' Culture of Excellence.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly standard costs for eight plants and perform monthly cost rolls.
• Be a primary point of contact for plant controllers and plant accountants related to cost accounting.
• Serve as the owner of the Bills of Material (BOM). Accurately sets up BOMs for new finished goods and performs regular maintenance to current BOMs as needed.
• Prepare cost studies for existing and new items.
• Regularly monitor purchase price variances.
• Prepare month-end journal entries when required.
• Assist with requests required for external and internal audits.
• Assist with preparation of the annual budget.
• Seek continuous improvement in all areas related to cost accounting and financial reporting as assigned by the Cost Accounting Manager or Finance Director.
• Ensure compliance with DFA Policy and Procedures.

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting or Finance, plus 0-2 years of Financial Analysis or Accounting experience. Will consider internship experience.
• Additional certifications a plus (CPA, CMA, etc.).
• Manufacturing or public accounting experience preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Consistently submits accurately completed work. Proactively identifies and corrects mistakes before submitting assignments. Demonstrates a methodical approach to detail-oriented work.
• Financial Acumen: Understands the financial framework and costing structure of the organization. Uses financial processes and metrics to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the company. Interprets and uses financial data to make informed business decisions. Uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities and recognizes the impact of income and expenditure adjustments on individual projects and the organization overall.
• Active Communication: Recognizes the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings. Actively seeks and shares information. Communicate clearly and concisely using appropriate timing and method (phone, e-mail, or in-person) given the nature of the information to be shared. Takes responsibility for ensuring people have the current and accurate information they need to do their jobs. Organization and Planning: Plans and organizes work so that tasks are accomplished efficiently. Prioritizes multiple, competing tasks effectively and produces high-quality work in high-pressure situations with tight deadlines. Makes efficient use of the organization's resources and maximizes use of available time. Asks for extra work or special assignments when work is completed ahead of schedule.
• Software Agility: Is Proficient in MS Office and other software programs. Quickly and accurately navigates new programs and helps others do the same. Rapidly assimilates and uses new technological information. May be used as a resource in new software implementations.
• Ability to Learn and Comprehend New Things: Has the heart of a student and the ability to learn new accounting systems and cost accounting processes quickly with a positive attitude. Shows great curiosity in the learning process and can ask questions confidently to drive conversations.

An Equal Opportunity Employer