Analyst Principal

Job ID#: 31238

Analyst Principal – Houston, TX

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturing organization, is seeking an experienced Principal Analyst to join their accounting team in Houston, TX . This position is critical in supporting multiple manufacturing sites by ensuring accurate financial reporting, consistent cost structures, and meaningful production analysis. You’ll partner closely with plant leadership and finance teams to deliver insights that drive operational efficiency, business strategy, and continuous improvement.

This is a highly visible role with daily interaction across operations, accounting, and leadership—ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys both the detail of accounting and the big-picture view of business performance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead accounting activities for assigned manufacturing locations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with reporting deadlines.

• Analyze plant production and cost structures to provide benchmarking and actionable insights for leadership.

• Partner with plant managers to develop monthly forecasts and contribute to annual budgeting.

• Prepare financial and operational reports for management, supporting decision-making across multiple sites.

• Manage and resolve invoice and goods receipt variances (GRIR) by working with purchasing and plant personnel.

• Support inventory counts, postings, and variance analysis to maintain accurate reporting.

• Review bills of materials (BOM), audits, and recommend updates to standard costs, overhead rates, and allocation methodologies.

• Maintain accurate purchase price standards and process revaluations as needed.

• Assist with capital project justifications and provide reporting support for internal and external audits.

• Act as a backup for other accounting functions during staff absences and contribute to special projects as assigned.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; CPA, CMA, or Master’s degree preferred.

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally including both public and private sector exposure.

• Strong cost accounting background, preferably in manufacturing.

• Proficiency in ERP/accounting systems (SAP, JDE, or BPC strongly preferred).

• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to manipulate and analyze large data sets.

• Solid understanding of cost accounting principles, financial reporting, and reconciliations.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across functions and levels.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently as well as within a team.

Work Environment & Travel

• Primarily office-based in Houston, TX , with occasional visits to manufacturing sites.

• Plant visits may require PPE (safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.) and exposure to moderate noise levels or outdoor elements.

• Light physical activity, including lifting up to 25 lbs. and occasional stooping or kneeling, may be required.

• Up to 10% travel (air or auto).

Why Join

This opportunity offers a chance to work at the intersection of finance and operations , shaping cost structures and reporting that directly impact strategic business decisions. If you’re looking for a role where your accounting expertise can drive real results in a manufacturing environment, this is the position for you.

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