Senior Cost Analyst

Virbac Animal Health is seeking a Senior Cost Analyst for our Finance Team. The Senior Cost Analyst supports the daily activities of the plant finance team, with most focus on the analysis of shop floor activity and inventory related issues at the local production facility as well as 3rd party manufacturing locations. This position also is a true partner and analyst for the Virbac Production Team. 

Qualified candidates should have experience in the following:

• 2-5 years working in a Manufacturing Environment

• Strong Cost Accounting background 

• ERP system familiarity –Inform M3 a plus

• Ability to work cross functionally to drive results

This exciting position will work in Bridgeton, MO.  It comes with an excellent benefits package including generous time off, 401k + match, life, medical, dental, and vision benefits, and more!

Area of accountability no.1: Analysis of Shop Floor Activity

Main activities: 

• Analyze ERP transaction activity throughout month to ensure that recorded transactions are accurate representations of actual events within the supply chain.
• Monitor all records of R&D, Engineering, and Validation batches to ensure all inventory transactions are executed in a timely manner.
• Identify and communicate to operations and finance management existence of events that are driving variances.  As needed, perform additional analysis to understand what is causing variances.
• Prepare monthly manufacturing variance report.  Distribute to operations management and lead monthly meeting that drives understanding of results.
• Counsel/Educate plant supervisors and production admins on accurate ERP transaction execution and the resulting impact on plant financials.

• Expected results:  Better understanding of how shop floor activity is impacting financial results.

Area of accountability no.2:  Inventory Control

Main activities: 

• Perform regular reconciliations of 3rd party warehouses in conjunction with members of planning group according to a schedule established by Plant Controller. 

• Plan and organize the execution of annual full physical inventory count with assistance of Warehouse Manager and local finance team.
• Monitor inventory adjustment activity and investigate transactions that seem unreasonable.
• Ensure that inventory that has been driven negative is corrected in a timely manner.
• Ensure that Outside Contract Labor items do not carry balance.

• Expected results:  Timely and Accurate Completion

Area of accountability no.3:  Reporting and Month End Close

Main activities: 

• Run month end inventory reports to ensure the accuracy of the St. Louis financials.  Assist with other aspects of month end close tasks.
• WIP Analysis and Reconciliation to the General Ledger
• Key Product Batch Reporting – Manufactured/Released/Sold
• Material Usage and Purchase Price Variance Reports
• Engineering Batch/R&D Batch Cost Charge Out
• Internal Labor Charge Out to CAPEX Analysis
• Assist with completion of monthly financial reporting package.  Continually enhance reports in order to provide more meaningful information to management.

• Expected results:   Timely and Accurate Completion

Area of accountability  no.4: Cost Management and Savings

Main activities:  Lead efforts around ensuring organization spending execution meets Budget expectation through System Cost allocations(EPIMS).

Lead and track Cost Savings opportunities—Partner with Operational team to identify projects and drive execution of solutions that support savings.

Expected results:  Timely and Accurate Completion

Area of accountability no.5:  Budget & Standard Cost

Main activities: 

• Partner with operations managers to establish budget for engineering batch cost
• Assist in development of Estimated Costs for New Products.
• Work closely with Plant Controller to establish annual standard costs, with main focus on reviewing BOMs for accuracy relative to recent actual material usage variances.
• Assist with building and validation department OpEx Budgets
• Assist with preparing schedules for presentations.

• Expected results:  Timely and accurate completion

Area of accountability no.6:

Main activities:  Other projects and duties as assigned. 

• Ad-hoc analysis and projects will be assigned by management frequently requiring quick and accurate turn-around. 
• Audit requests and research
• Group reporting initiatives including but not limited to semi-annual sustainability reports.
• Understand key processes of other members of local finance team to be able to serve as back-up during vacation and unexpected absences.
• Serve as local contact for record retention of financial and order management records.

• Expected results:  Timely and Accurate Completion

Skills:

• Prior experience working with integrated ERP system (Oracle, SAP, JDE, as examples)
• Prior experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and manage work activity that may vary depending on the time of the month.
• Qualified candidate will be able to prioritize requests that at times are expected to be delivered upon simultaneously.
• Analytical Skills.  Ability to question data that may seem incorrect or unreliable.
• IT: Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Power Point. 
• Strong proficiency in Excel.  Basic knowledge of how an ERP system works.
• Excellent Communication Skills across Cross Functional Partners
• Ability to work autonomously, while also using good judgment to understand when to seek assistance from other members of team.
• Composure under pressure when deadlines are approaching.
• Desire to step out of comfort zone while pursuing special projects.
• Ability to interact with members of different functional areas outside of finance. 
• Strong Team Player