Material Cost Finance

Job Description
The Financial Analyst, Post , is responsible for the ongoing financial analysis, reporting, and control of material costs for approved programs. This role involves deep dives into cost performance, variance analysis, forecasting, and partnering with cross-functional teams (e.g., engineering, purchasing, supply chain, program management) to ensure programs meet their financial objectives regarding material spend post-approval. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Review & Concur to Change Management Request raised by Engineers for Design, Commercial, Quality etc.
• Monitor and track actual material costs against approved program budgets and forecasts on an ongoing basis.
• Prepare financial reports, dashboards, and presentations on material cost performance for various stakeholders, including program leadership, finance management, and executive teams.
• Lead end to end ownership and deliverables from PD Finance for the specific Post programs
• Prepare EBIT for operational view of profitability, making it a valuable metric for internal management to understand programs performance
• Prepare Business Plan (BP) inputs on Product Cost, Price Strategy updates, etc.
• Lead preparation of Cost PAT data relating to material cost and investment levels and review status regularly with Chief Program Engineer (CPE) and Program Management
• Support Programs right from Milestone to taking care of entire end-to-end ownership as Finance lead. Perform reviews with senior management for all Major Programs
• Work on automation projects, develop interactive dashboards that highlight trends on program financials Post Program Approval () that help leadership decision making
• Understand and support financial analysis for special studies (e.g., Feature introduction, mix changes, etc.)
• Conduct in-depth variance analysis on material costs, identifying deviations from budget and prior forecasts.
• Investigate root causes of cost variances (e.g., design changes, supplier price changes etc.) and communicate findings clearly.
• Provide financial input and analysis for program change requests that impact material costs.
• Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and internal controls related to material cost management.
• Identify potential financial risks and opportunities related to material costs within approved programs and propose solutions.
• Act as a key finance business partner to program managers, engineering leads, and procurement specialists, providing financial insights and guidance on material cost implications.
• Participate in program reviews and CPE meetings, offering financial perspectives and challenging assumptions where necessary.
• Facilitate discussions and drive alignment between technical and financial teams regarding cost targets and performance.
• Continuously seek opportunities to improve material cost tracking, reporting, and analysis processes and tools.

Qualifications
Education: Master Degree in Business Administration, MBA, CMA & CA

Technical Skills:

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, financial modeling).

Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g. Qliksense, Power BI) is a plus.

Analytical Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills with a high attention to detail. Ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of the organization.

Interpersonal Skills: Proven ability to build strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Mindset: Proactive, self-motivated, and results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.