Cost Accounting Finance Analyst

Key Responsibilities:

1. Technical & Functional Mastery

Own complex cost and inventory accounting activities with minimal supervision.

Perform advanced variance analysis, root‑cause investigation, and business impact assessment.

Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for cost accounting processes and policies.

Ensure strong compliance with US GAAP, SOX, and Agilent internal controls, including audit support.

2. Problem Solving & Judgment

Resolve non‑routine, ambiguous accounting and data issues.

Assess multiple solution paths and recommend the most effective business outcome.

Anticipate downstream impacts on financial reporting, controls, and operations.

3. Business Partnering & Influence

Act as a trusted finance partner to global stakeholders.

Translate financial and data insights into clear, decision‑ready recommendations.

Provide guidance, coaching, and informal leadership to junior analysts.

4. Process Improvement, Data & Digital Enablement (Minor but expected at this level)

Identify and lead process improvements across cost accounting and reporting workflows.

Apply data analytics and automation tools to improve insight, efficiency, and control effectiveness.

Support or lead digitalization initiatives (e.g., Power BI dashboards, Excel automation).



Requirements:

Education & Certification

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Information Systems, Statistics, or related fields.

Professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent is strongly preferred.

Experience

5–8 years of relevant experience in cost accounting, finance operations, or financial analysis, preferably in:

Multinational corporations (MNCs), or

Shared service / global business services environments, or

Public accounting with strong cost or manufacturing exposure.

Proven experience handling complex inventory and cost accounting topics with minimal supervision.

Technical & Analytical Skills

Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.

Hands-on experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft 365 tools.

Working knowledge (or strong interest) in data analytics and automation tools, such as:

Advanced Excel, Power BI, MS Access

SQL, VBA, Python (advantage)

Ability to analyze large datasets and translate them into meaningful business insights.

Key Competencies

Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset

High attention to detail with the ability to see the “big picture”

Effective communication skills (written and verbal English)

Proactive, self-driven, and comfortable operating in a global, fast-paced environment

Change-oriented with a continuous improvement and digital mindset