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Cost Analyst Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ethos

Plant Cost Accountant

Waverly, IA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Plant Cost Accountant The Plant Cost Accountant is r esponsible for analyzing gross profit margins, assisting with the financials, balancing inventory, and reporting results. Supports the accounting ...

Ethos

Plant Cost Accountant

Waverly, IA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Plant Cost Accountant The Plant Cost Accountant is r esponsible for analyzing gross profit margins, assisting with the financials, balancing inventory, and reporting results. Supports the accounting ...

Baker Group

Cost Engineer - Industrial

Ankeny, IA · On-site

... cost, analyze trends, and participate in project controls reporting on all industrial projects. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties are typical for this job. These are not ...

New

Saige Partners

Cost Accountant

Cresco, IA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Senior Cost Accountant Manufacturing Operations Position Overview We are seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Senior Cost Accountant to support multi-site manufacturing operations In this ...

OSI INDUSTRIES, LLC

Cost Accountant

Oakland, IA · On-site

$61K - $81K/yr

Job Summary This role is responsible for creating data analysis and tracking tools as it relates to operations including labor, yields, material usage and overhead. Manage and maintain cost standards ...

OSI Group

Cost Accountant

Oakland, IA · On-site

$61K - $81K/yr

Job Summary This role is responsible for creating data analysis and tracking tools as it relates to operations including labor, yields, material usage and overhead. Manage and maintain cost standards ...

OSI Group

Cost Accountant

Oakland, IA · On-site

$61K - $81K/yr

Job Summary This role is responsible for creating data analysis and tracking tools as it relates to operations including labor, yields, material usage and overhead. Manage and maintain cost standards ...

FTHR

Sr. Cost Accountant

Cresco, IA · On-site

$76K - $94K/yr

The Senior Cost Accountant plays a key role in ensuring accurate product costing, financial analysis, and operational insights to support strategic decision-making within Featherlite, Exiss and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsCost Analyst JobsCost Analyst Jobs in Iowa

Cost Analyst information

See Iowa salary details

$34.8K

$81.1K

$119.8K

How much do cost analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for cost analyst in Iowa is $81,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,300.00 and $94,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cost analyst do?

A Cost Analyst is responsible for examining and managing the costs associated with a company's operations, products, or projects. They analyze financial data, prepare cost reports, and work to identify areas where expenses can be reduced without compromising quality. Cost Analysts often collaborate with other departments to ensure budget adherence and provide recommendations for cost-saving strategies. Their work helps organizations make informed financial decisions and improve profitability.

What does a cost analyst do?

A cost analyst helps their company control expenses through financial research and analysis. In this job, your duties include analyzing the difference between company costs and standard costs, developing budgets, auditing financial transactions, conducting market research, and preparing reports for company leadership. One of your goals is to determine how to lower costs for the company. The qualifications for a career as a cost analyst include a bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting, experience in cost accounting, and excellent analytical skills. Some employers may also require you to be a certified public accountant (CPA) to qualify for this job.

What are some common challenges faced by cost analysts in managing project budgets, and how can they be addressed?

Cost Analysts often encounter challenges such as incomplete data, shifting project scopes, and unexpected expenses that can impact budget accuracy. To address these issues, it's important to maintain clear communication with project managers and department heads, use reliable forecasting tools, and regularly review financial reports for discrepancies. Proactively identifying potential cost overruns and suggesting corrective actions helps ensure projects stay within budget and meet organizational financial goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cost analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cost Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a solid grasp of accounting principles, and typically a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Proficiency in Excel, ERP systems (like SAP), and cost accounting software, along with certifications such as CMA (Certified Management Accountant), are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting data and presenting findings to stakeholders. These competencies are essential for delivering accurate cost analyses that support informed business decisions and enhance organizational efficiency.

What is the difference between Cost Analyst vs Financial Analyst?

AspectCost AnalystFinancial Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in finance, accounting, or related field; often certifications like CMA or CPABachelor's in finance, economics, or related; certifications like CFA are common
Work EnvironmentCorporate finance, manufacturing, or government agencies focusing on cost controlInvestment firms, banks, or corporate finance departments analyzing financial data
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries with cost management needs such as manufacturing and logisticsUsed across finance sectors including banking, investment, and corporate finance

The main difference between a Cost Analyst and a Financial Analyst lies in their focus areas. Cost Analysts primarily concentrate on controlling and reducing costs within organizations, often working closely with operations. Financial Analysts analyze financial data to guide investment and business decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

How much does a cost analyst make?

The average salary for a cost analyst is around $65,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced analysts or those with specialized skills can earn over $85,000 annually.

What degree do you need to be a cost analyst?

A cost analyst typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or professional certifications such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Strong analytical skills and proficiency with spreadsheets and data analysis tools are also important.
More about Cost Analyst jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Cost Analyst jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Cost Analyst jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Cost Analyst jobs in Iowa?

For Cost Analyst jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cost Analyst jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Cost Analyst jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Cost Analyst jobs in IA?

For Cost Analyst jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Cost Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cost Analyst job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,070 per year, or $39 per hour.

Plant Cost Accountant

Ethos

Waverly, IA • On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Plant Cost Accountant

The Plant Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing gross profit margins, assisting with the financials, balancing inventory, and reporting results. Supports the accounting team with the month-end closing and related tasks.

Works with the Corporate Controller and CFO to manage company costs, assist in the preparation of budgets, develop cost standards, and provide data on operational costs.

Position Responsibilities:

· Assist in month-end and year-end closing of financials, specifically on balancing inventory, monthly related entries for transfers and variances, etc.

· Calculate and analyze gross profit margins, reporting results to Finance and Operations personnel.

· Work with manufacturing plants on cycle count processes, labor/overhead rates, BOMs and routings.

· Apply cost analysis principles to current company processes in inventory management, gross profit, and reporting.

· Analyze manufacturing costs, labor absorption, and identifying variance and areas of improvement.

· Assist in the calculation of work center rates for manufacturing facilities.

· Review completed shop orders and analyze large variances, including identifying potential changes to processes.

· Perform annual cost roll process, including change analysis, at year-end and on an ad hoc basis.

Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree in a related field, accounting preferred

. 5+ years of experience in accounting/finance.

. Manufacturing environment experience

. Cost accounting experience required -

* ERP experience – SAP, Deacom, NetSuite, Epicor

· Demonstrated internal and/or external customer service experience and skills

· Strong verbal and written communication and word processing skills

· Familiar with MS Office software including Word, Excel, MS Teams, PowerPoint, and Outlook

· Knowledge of QuickBooks

· Knowledge of ERP systems

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development