Plant Cost Analyst

Our client, a leading European MNC in the industrial manufacturing sector, is looking to hire a Plant Cost Analyst to join their team.

Job Title: Plant Cost Analyst

Location: United Arab Emirates

Department: BU Finance

Reports To: Regional Cost Manager

Purpose of the role

This role plays a key part in driving regional growth by delivering accurate product costing, margin analysis, and cost optimization insights. The position focuses on analyzing and tracking costs to support competitive pricing strategies, while ensuring accurate inventory valuation and cost reporting across plant operations.

Dimensions of the role

• Responsible for updating and managing costs in the system ensuring product cost is correctly stated per budget standards
• Assisting Manufacturing personnel to develop standard costs
• Collecting and analyzing data to determine variable and fixed per APU – including cost of raw materials
• Developing/maintaining product bills of material
• Assisting Commercial teams in customer, product and service margin analysis
• Maintaining changes to formulation and/or cost components that affect the selling price of

manufactured goods to related companies

• Reconciliation and valuation of manufacturing inventory as well as finished goods inventory
• Reviewing and analyzing variances – production process, material usage, scrap
• Monitor inventory cycle count program and conduct periodic cycle count audits
• Assisting in establishing improved processes for inventory and cost operation
• Participate in internal and external audits
• Contribute to the effectiveness of the Integrated Management System, including the benefits of improved performance
• Identify opportunities to improve the cost structure of products and services (in collaboration with Operations and M&T)
• Collaborate with local Controllers and BU Finance to support financial reporting

Key Result Areas

• Detailed understanding of APU costs
• Successfully contribute to winning of tenders / increase in success rate (by providing accurate cost base, and calibrating with market price and volume)
• Analyze operational data and provide succinct business conclusions

Must Have

• University degree in economics, finance, engineering or a comparable field
• Min 3 years of professional experience in the field of manufacturing Finance or Controlling
• Deep understanding in cost management, accounting and finance processes
• Data-driven approach with an affinity for numbers, and strong attention to detail
• High level of proficiency in Excel, basic experience in SAP would be a plus
• Qualified accountant (CIMA) desirable
• Detail-oriented and analytical skills
• Upper-intermediate English Level
• Persistent in looking for opportunities to improve commercial performance