Cost Accountant

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled, analytical, and detail-oriented Cost Accountant to join the client's team within a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role is critical in supporting the financial health of the organization by providing accurate cost analysis, monitoring operational expenses, and identifying opportunities to improve profitability.

The Cost Accountant will work closely with the CFO and Controller, acting as a strategic partner to operations and leadership teams by delivering actionable financial insights. This individual will play a key role in maintaining cost integrity across products, projects, and processes while ensuring adherence to budgets and financial controls.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in cost accounting principles, hands-on experience in a manufacturing setting, and the ability to translate complex financial data into meaningful business recommendations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze and track direct and indirect costs associated with manufacturing operations, including labor, materials, overhead, and production variances
• Conduct detailed cost analyses on products, projects, and processes to identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies
• Monitor and evaluate project budgets, ensuring alignment with financial targets and identifying deviations in a timely manner
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports, including variance analysis, standard cost updates, and profitability analysis
• Partner with operations, production, and supply chain teams to ensure accurate cost allocation and inventory valuation
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard costing systems and cost accounting procedures in accordance with GAAP and company policies
• Analyze manufacturing variances (labor, material usage, scrap, overhead absorption) and provide recommendations for corrective action
• Support inventory management processes, including cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliation of inventory discrepancies
• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial planning related to production and cost structures
• Identify financial risks, cost overruns, or inefficiencies and proactively communicate findings to leadership
• Conduct internal audits of cost data and processes to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging data analysis and industry best practices
• Support ERP system utilization and improvements related to cost tracking, reporting, and data integrity

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field 
• 3+ years of experience in cost accounting, preferably within a manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting methodologies, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting
• Experience working with ERP systems (SAP, Deacom, Netsuite, Epicor) and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis tools)
• Solid understanding of GAAP and internal control frameworks
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and accountability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present financial data to non-financial stakeholders
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams

Why Join Us:
This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping financial strategy and operational efficiency within a growing manufacturing organization. You will have direct visibility to leadership and the ability to make a measurable impact on profitability and performance.