Budget Analyst - Jamestown NY area

Unified Talent Group is exclusive in a search, with an industry leading manufacturing company, in search of a Budget Analyst. The Budget Analyst will help to shape the financial success of complex projects and competitive proposals. In this role, you’ll partner closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to develop accurate, compliant cost estimates, support strategic decision-making, and strengthen our financial planning and controls.

What You’ll Do

Proposal Pricing & Compliance

  • Lead the development of cost volumes for proposals
  • Build detailed, compliant cost models and pricing strategies
  • Collaborate with Business Development, Engineering, Procurement, and Program Management to validate assumptions and ensure accuracy
  • Serve as a key point of contact for government auditors
  • Maintain thorough documentation to ensure audit readiness and proposal integrity

Financial Planning & Analysis

  • Develop cost, margin, and cash flow forecasts to support quarterly reviews and annual budgets
  • Provide financial insight to support make/buy decisions and capital investment evaluations.
  • Analyze trends, historical data, and benchmarks to identify cost-saving opportunities and operational improvements.

Cost Estimation & Analysis

  • Create detailed project cost estimates based on scope, specifications, and contract requirements.
  • Analyze labor, materials, equipment, and services using historical pricing, benchmarks, and forecasting techniques.
  • Apply appropriate estimating methodologies, mathematical models, and specialized software based on project complexity.

Systems, Controls & Process Improvement

  • Support enhancements and automation of cost and pricing systems, including ERP and pricing tools.
  • Ensure compliance with internal control policies related to cost accounting and pricing
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability

What We’re Looking For Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
  • 3+ years of progressive cost accounting experience in a manufacturing
  • 3+ years of experience supporting federal proposal pricing (DoD experience strongly preferred).

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, inventory systems, and cost drivers.
  • Proven experience with cost modeling, pricing tools, and ERP systems
  • Experience with cost estimation, MRP, project estimation, and requirements analysis.
  • Solid foundation in cost estimation methodologies, statistics, and data
  • Understanding of core economic concepts such as inflation, discounting, and NPV
  • Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and well-organized with strong communication skills.
  • Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Budget Analyst - Jamestown NY area
Michelle DeWeese brings over two decades of proven success in executive search, with a career defined by building high-performing teams across a wide range of industries. For for the past 15 years, Michelle has specialized in talent acquisition for the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Michelle holds both a Bachelor's degree and an MBA from Michigan State University. Outside of work, she enjoys golfing, playing pickleball, and spending time with her husband, Shawn, and their two Aussiedoodles, Zoe and Harper.

At Unified Talent Group, we partner with organizations of all sizes—from agile startups with limited HR infrastructure to global Fortune 100 companies. No matter where you are on your growth journey, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to streamline and strengthen your talent acquisition strategy—efficiently, effectively, and with lasting impact.