Cost Accountant

Plant Cost Accountant - Bowling Green, KY Area

We're looking for a Plant Cost Accountant to analyze material, labor, and other expenses to determine production costs, cost of goods sold and other cost-related performance measures. Candidate will capture and classify cost data to determine the cost associated with products/product lines, project, or departments and provide cost-related data in support of business decisions or for use in financial reporting.

• Develop and maintain standard costs for all manufactured items.
• Analyze variances between standard and actual costs and recommend corrective actions.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities related to cost accounting.
• Prepare cost estimates for new products or concepts, formulation changes, cost reductions or cost reduction project calculations and comparative analysis.
• Perform weekly tasks including but not limited to variance reports, journal entries and planning cost updates.
• Analyze fully reserved on hold inventory monthly to determine the disposition of this inventory.
• Create and maintain item master data including descriptions, units of measure, costing methods, and classifications.
• Ensure consistency and accuracy in item setup across sites and systems.
• Maintain speed, routings, and work center costing in alignment with current manufacturing processes.
• Create and maintain BOMs and production routings for all manufactured products.
• Ensure BOMs and routings reflect current manufacturing processes and material usage.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to update BOMs and routings as needed.
• Calculate and maintain machine $/hour rates based on labor, overhead, and depreciation.
• Work with finance and operations to ensure accurate cost allocation and absorption.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance data accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Support system upgrades and ERP implementations related to inventory and costing.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in cost transparency and reporting.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in cost accounting or manufacturing finance
• Experience with ERP systems and item master data management
• CPA, CMA, or other relevant certification is a plus
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar ERP system
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Power BI)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively
• Detail‑oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Collaborative mindset with ability to work cross‑functionally across departments.
• Strong communication skills to translate technical data into actionable insights.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability in delivering high‑quality financial data.