Cost Accountant

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Cost Accountant to join our finance team. This role is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on production costs to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have experience in mid- to large-scale manufacturing environments and a solid understanding of cost accounting principles and finance systems. The Cost Accountant will analyze production and operational costs, inventory valuation, and cost variance reporting to help drive profitability. This position requires strong analytical skills and cross-functional collaboration with operations, finance, supply chain, and engineering teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve overall efficiency.

Job Functions and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the standard cost system for materials, labor, and overhead, support forecasting and annual budgeting processes.
• Collaborate with engineering to cost new products and ensure the accuracy of Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Perform month-end closing activities and prepare detailed variance reports explaining differences between actual and standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead.
• Coordinate and conduct physical and cycle counts of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory.
• Generate and communicate daily production, cost, and variance reports to management; provide profitability analysis, identify cost drivers, and recommend cost-saving measures.
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and finance teams to resolve cost issues and drive operational efficiencies.
• Analyze production methods and changes in raw materials to determine their impact on costs and identify improvement opportunities.
• Ensure accounting practices comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), particularly in relation to financial statements and inventory valuation.
• Model company values by demonstrating the principles: Be Limitless, Be Resilient, Be People-Centered, Be a Team, and Be Trustworthy.

• Proficiency with ERP systems, accounting software, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated business acumen and understanding of operational cost drivers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with finance systems (e.g., E-Maintenance, Esker, etc.) and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Attributes

• CPA or CMA certification.
• Familiarity with multi-plant or multi-entity cost structures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
• Career development and professional certification support.
• All job requirements listed represent the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the role competently. Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested.

Competencies

• Strategic Agility: Anticipates future consequences and trends; articulates clear visions and develops competitive strategies.
• Focusing on the Bottom Line: Attacks challenges with energy and urgency; drives to complete objectives effectively.
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships, adapts communication styles, and engages stakeholders in problem-solving.
• Business Acumen: Understands how businesses operate; remains aware of market trends, competition, and industry’s best practices.
• Getting Work Done Through Others: Communicates clearly, delegates effectively, and holds others accountable for results.
• Presentation Skills: Delivers information effectively in varied settings and audiences; manages discussions confidently.

Work Environment

• Regularly, standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present financial data in both in-person and virtual meetings (e.g., Zoom) with individuals at all organizational levels.

Physical Requirements:

· Ability to sit and/or stand at a desk for up to 8 hours a day and perform repetitive hand tasks.

• Ability to lift and move items up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to walk stairs is preferred. Reasonable accommodation will be provided upon hire in accordance with ADA guidelines.
• Ability to read written documents and computer screens, with sufficient visual focus.
• Work is primarily performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

Travel

• Minimal travel may be required to support or assist out-of-state plants.

Other Duties

• This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all duties or responsibilities required of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employees are expected to perform all other duties assigned.