Senior Financial Analyst

AlaTrade Foods is seeking a Senior Financial Analyst to join its onsite team in Albertville, Alabama. The role centers on cost accounting, production performance analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives, with a salary range of USD 76,320 to 105,000 per year. The position partners with Operations, Finance, and Plant Leadership to optimize manufacturing costs, inventory management, and profitability.

Overview

The Financial Cost Analyst plays a pivotal role in advancing operational and financial excellence by managing cost accounting processes, analyzing production performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. As a trusted partner to Operations, Finance, and Plant Leadership, this role delivers actionable insights into manufacturing costs, inventory control, production efficiency, and overall profitability.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and accounting skills with a proactive problem-solving mindset, helping the organization identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvements, inventory optimization, and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage and reconcile inventory and production systems to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial and operational data.
• Develop, evaluate, and maintain standard costs and other data in costing system for products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Budget, monitor, and analyze direct and overhead costs by product, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare and distribute weekly cost variance reports, providing meaningful analysis and recommendations.
• Investigate unfavorable variances, determine root causes, and collaborate with management to implement corrective actions.
• Support monthly cost reporting activities and assist with financial statement close processes.
• Evaluate production performance and efficiency metrics, recommending improvements that enhance profitability and operational effectiveness.
• Monitor and report short-weight metrics and provide analysis to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Partner with plant leadership to develop and track key operational and financial performance indicators.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for cost reduction.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for process improvements.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for inventory optimization.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for operational efficiency enhancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices and improve financial and operational performance.
• Serve as a financial and systems resource for plant and management teams, providing education and guidance on financial reporting, plant metrics, cost management, and system utilization.
• Provide backup support for daily plant production accounting activities.
• Assist with preparation of weekly management and Controller reports.
• Support the Controller and broader accounting team with special projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, financial analysis, or a related role.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles, inventory management, and manufacturing processes.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/accounting systems.
• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
• Knowledge of standard costing, BOM maintenance, inventory controls, and variance analysis.
• Continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or process optimization experience.

Technologies

• Microsoft Excel
• ERP/accounting systems

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance