Cost Accounting Manager

Cost Accounting Manager

We are seeking an experienced Accounting Manager to lead cost and financial accounting activities for a manufacturing-oriented organization. This role is responsible for overseeing month-end close, financial reporting, cost accounting, inventory valuation, and business partnering with operations and finance to drive accurate financial results, continuous improvement, and cost reduction. The Accounting Manager will manage a small team, maintain SOX controls, support audits, and implement and optimize ERP and reporting systems to provide timely, decision-ready information.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute month-end close activities, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements and variance explanations.
• Own balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany accounting, and review of key control accounts.
• Manage all aspects of cost accounting: standard costing, activity-based costing (ABC), product/job/process costing, and cost allocation methodologies.
• Oversee inventory valuation (FIFO/LIFO/Weighted Average), WIP accounting, and overhead allocation processes.
• Perform variance analysis (materials, labor, overhead) and partner with operations to identify drivers and corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain cost models, KPIs, and management reports to support pricing, profitability analysis, and strategic decisions.
• Prepare and present financial analysis, forecasts, and budgets; support month, quarter, and year-end forecasts and planning cycles.
• Maintain and improve internal controls and SOX compliance; coordinate and support external and internal audits.
• Lead ERP and reporting system initiatives (Oracle EBS, Net Suite, SAP FI/CO), and work with IT to implement enhancements and integrations with MRP/manufacturing systems.
• Automate reporting and analysis using Advanced Excel, Excel VBA, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Hyperion/Essbase where appropriate.
• Drive cost reduction and continuous improvement projects across manufacturing and supply chain functions.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff; establish clear objectives, review performance, and provide training and guidance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience with significant exposure to cost accounting in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and IFRS and practical application to financial reporting.
• Demonstrated experience with standard costing, activity-based costing (ABC), product/job/process costing, and cost allocation.
• Proven experience with inventory valuation methods (FIFO/LIFO/Weighted Average), WIP accounting, and overhead allocation.
• Proficiency with ERP systems such as Oracle EBS, Net Suite, and/or SAP FI/CO; experience integrating with MRP/manufacturing systems.
• Advanced Excel skills (including Excel VBA), and experience with reporting/analysis tools such as Power BI, Tableau, SQL, and Hyperion/Essbase.
• Strong understanding of SOX/internal controls and experience supporting external and internal audits.
• Proven leadership skills, effective communication, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams to drive results and continuous improvement.