Cost Accountant

Cost Accountant

Position: Cost Accountant

Reports To: Finance Manager

Position Type: Salary Exempt

Hours per week: 40+

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday (Flex Fridays)

Department: 200-Accounting

Orientation Period: 90 Days

The Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing and managing product and manufacturing costs, maintaining accurate standard costs, supporting inventory valuation, and providing financial insight to improve operational efficiency and profitability. This role partners closely with operations, engineering, and leadership to ensure accurate cost reporting and informed business decisions.

• Maintain and update standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead in the ERP system
• Analyze and report on cost variances (material, labor, overhead) and provide actionable insights
• Support month-end close activities, including preparation of journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations related to inventory and cost of goods sold
• Reconcile and monitor inventory, work-in-process, and finished goods accounts
• Partner with operations, engineering, and purchasing to ensure accurate product costing and cost control
• Prepare and distribute cost and profitability reports to support business decisions
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting for manufacturing costs
• Support and participate in physical inventory counts and cycle counts, including variance investigation
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and audit requirements
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing required cost and inventory documentation
• Identify and drive cost savings opportunities and process improvements within operations
• Maintain accurate costing data within ERP/MRP systems
• Perform financial and cost analysis as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management, including tasks outside of primary responsibilities, to meet business and operational needs

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 2–5 years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, or related financial analysis role
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis required)
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar preferred)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and Leadership teams
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret financial and operational data
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data analysis and reporting
• Solid understanding of cost accounting principles and manufacturing processes
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively across departments
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Effective communication skills with the ability to explain financial data to non‑finance partners
• Problem‑solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and cost efficiency
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to work with large data sets
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment
• Professional and respectful approach when working with cross‑functional teams (Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, etc.)

• Primarily office‑based role with regular use of computer systems and ERP software
• Occasional visits to the production floor to support inventory counts, cost verification, and cross‑functional collaboration
• Must comply with all plant safety requirements when in manufacturing areas, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as…