Accounting Data Analyst

Job DetailsJob Location: Batavia Container Inc - Batavia, IL 60510Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 Salary/yearJob Category: AccountingPurpose: The Accounting Data Analyst is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and usability of financial data across the organization. This role supports accounting, operations, and executive leadership through structured financial reporting, variance analysis, cost analysis, and system-based data insights. The position bridges accounting, ERP systems, and business intelligence tools to enhance reporting reliability, improve decision-making, and strengthen financial controls in a manufacturing environment. Reports to: Executive Director of Accounting Conditions: Office environment with light travel to customer businesses. Essential Duties & Responsibilities:  Financial & Operational Analysis Perform monthly financial variance analysis (revenue, cost of goods sold, labor, overhead, freight, inventory, and margin). Analyze manufacturing performance metrics including yield, scrap, labor efficiency, and absorption. Support standard cost maintenance and cost roll accuracy within the ERP system. Assist in budgeting and forecasting models with data validation and historical trend analysis. Identify trends, anomalies, and data inconsistencies that impact financial reporting. Capture customer demographics and working capital needs Reporting & Business Intelligence Develop, maintain, and enhance financial dashboards and KPI reporting tools (Power BI or equivalent). Automate recurring financial and operational reports to improve speed and reduce manual effort. Standardize reporting definitions to ensure consistency across departments. Translate financial results into clear insights for non-financial stakeholders. Support executive-level reporting packages with data accuracy validation. Data Integrity & System Governance Reconcile data between ERP, sub-ledgers, BI tools, and external reporting platforms. Ensure accuracy of inventory, cost, and transactional data within financial systems. Assist in maintaining internal controls related to financial reporting. Document reporting processes and data flows. Identify and implement improvements in financial data workflows and system utilization. Manufacturing Cost & Inventory Support Assist in inventory reconciliation analysis (cycle counts, physical inventory, adjustments). Analyze purchase price variances, labor variances, and overhead absorption. Support cost accounting initiatives including BOM validation and routing accuracy. Partner with Operations to ensure financial data reflects production realities. Audit & Compliance Support Prepare financial datasets and supporting schedules for internal and external audits. Assist in maintaining documentation supporting GAAP compliance. Support internal control testing and regulatory reporting as required. Process Improvement & Systems Development Identify inefficiencies in accounting and reporting processes. Collaborate with Accounting, IT, and Operations to improve ERP utilization. Support ERP upgrades, data migrations, and reporting tool implementations. Drive reporting automation and reduction of manual spreadsheet reliance.   Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Timeliness and accuracy of monthly reporting Reduction in manual reporting processes Variance analysis quality and actionable insights Data reconciliation accuracy Audit support effectiveness Improvement in reporting cycle time QualificationsRequired Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Data Analytics, or related field 2–5 years of experience in accounting, financial analysis, or data analytics (manufacturing preferred) Strong understanding of GAAP Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, vlookups, SQL Query, Power Query, advanced formulas) Experience with ERP systems (manufacturing ERP strongly preferred) Experience with BI/reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar) Familiarity with Microsoft Access database software Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Preferred Qualifications CPA, CMA, or pursuing certification Experience with SQL or Python Experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment Knowledge of data warehousing concepts Experience with standard costing systems Core Competencies High attention to detail and data accuracy Structured, analytical thinking Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to operational leaders Strong organizational skills and deadline discipline Continuous improvement mindset Systems-oriented and process-driven Cross-Functional Alignment This role works closely with: Controller and Accounting Team Plant Management and Operations Supply Chain & Purchasing IT / ERP Support Executive Leadership The position must balance financial discipline with operational understanding to ensure reporting reflects true business performance. Batavia Container offers a competitive benefits package which includes the following: Medical Dental Vison Life Insurance 401(k) company match Paid Time Off (PTO)