Cost Analyst

Salary Budget for the Job is 40-50k based on experience

Preferably from Surat Locality only

Cost Analyst

Key Responsibilities:

1. Product Costing & Analysis:

• Conduct thorough cost analysis for all existing and new packaging products (e.g., films, pouches, trays, custom solutions), encompassing raw materials (plastics, paperboard, inks, adhesives), labor, manufacturing overheads, tooling costs, freight, and any other relevant expenses.
• Develop, refine, and maintain robust cost models to support strategic pricing decisions, profitability analysis, and budgeting for different product lines and client segments.
• Identify and analyze cost variances, pinpointing drivers for deviations and proposing actionable recommendations for cost reduction and efficiency improvements in production processes.
• Prepare comprehensive cost reports, detailed breakdowns, and present findings to management, highlighting key profitability insights and trends.
• Assist in establishing and reviewing standard costs and analyzing actual costs against these standards for performance monitoring.

2. Client Communication & Quotation Management:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for client inquiries related to product pricing, packaging specifications, material options, lead times, and order status.
• Prepare and issue accurate, competitive, and timely price quotations to clients based on approved costing models, material market fluctuations, and production capacities.
• Proactively follow up on quotations, negotiate terms where appropriate, and manage client expectations regarding pricing, material availability, and delivery schedules.
• Collaborate with the R&D and Quality teams to address any technical or quality-related queries from clients impacting costing or product design.

3. Order Taking & Processing:

• Accurately receive and process client purchase orders (POs), ensuring all specifications (dimensions, materials, printing, finishes), quantities, pricing, and delivery terms are correctly captured.
• Coordinate seamlessly with the production planning, inventory, and logistics teams to confirm order feasibility, production timelines, and precise delivery schedules.
• Communicate order confirmations, expected delivery dates, and any potential delays or changes to clients in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain meticulous and up-to-date records of all client communications, quotations, orders, and associated documentation within the CRM/ERP system.

4. Data Management & Reporting:

• Continuously maintain and update costing databases, material price lists, and finished product pricing structures.
• Generate various insightful reports related to sales orders, pricing performance, profit margins by product/client, cost trends, and customer service metrics.
• Collaborate closely with the Sales and Marketing teams to understand market demands, competitive pricing landscapes, and client-specific requirements.

Qualifications:

• Education:

  Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A professional certification such as CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or ICWA (Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India) is highly preferred.

• Experience:

  3-6 years of progressive experience in cost accounting, financial analysis, or a similar commercial role, ideally within a

  manufacturing or packaging industry (food packaging experience is a significant advantage).

• Costing Expertise:

  Demonstrated hands-on experience in product costing, bill of materials (BOM) costing, variance analysis, and developing robust cost models in a manufacturing environment.

• Communication Skills:

  Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English and Hindi (Gujarati is a plus). Ability to articulate complex financial and technical information clearly and concisely to both internal stakeholders and external clients.

• Client Management:

  Proven ability to build rapport, interact professionally and effectively with clients, manage expectations, and resolve commercial issues or queries.

• Analytical Acumen:

  Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with an acute attention to detail and a data-driven approach to decision making.

• Technical Proficiency:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (complex formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, financial modeling).
• Solid experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Tally, or industry-specific manufacturing ERPs) for costing, inventory, and order management is essential.
• Familiarity with CRM software is beneficial.

• Interpersonal Skills:

  A collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively across finance, production, sales, and logistics departments.

• Organizational Skills:

  Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, handle a high volume of inquiries, and meet tight deadlines.