Cost Accountant

Job Details

Job Location:

Accion Whitestown - Whitestown, IN 46075

The Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing, tracking, and reporting the costs associated with third‑party logistics operations, including warehousing, transportation, fulfillment, and value‑added services. This role partners closely with operations, client services, and senior leadership to ensure accurate cost allocation, margin visibility, and profitability analysis across all service lines and client accounts.

• Develop, maintain, and analyze cost models for warehousing, transportation, labor, and value‑added services.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual cost variance analysis and report findings to management.
• Prepare detailed cost‑per‑unit, cost‑per‑order, and cost‑per‑pallet reports by client and service line.
• Monitor direct and indirect cost allocations across multiple distribution centers and operational segments.
• Produce management‑level dashboards and reporting packages on operational cost performance.

• Maintain accurate inventory costing records including standard costs, landed costs, and shrinkage tracking.
• Coordinate cycle count and physical inventory processes; investigate and reconcile variances.
• Track storage billing, accessorial charges, and handling fees to ensure accurate client invoicing.
• Review and reconcile warehouse management system (WMS) data against general ledger balances.

• Audit and reconcile freight invoices from carriers against contracted rates and service agreements.
• Analyze transportation spend by mode (LTL, FTL, parcel) and identify cost reduction opportunities.
• Support rate negotiations with carrier data and benchmarking analysis.
• Track fuel surcharge, accessorial, and detention costs and ensure proper client pass‑through billing.

• Analyze profitability by client account, identifying underperforming contracts and margin trends.
• Assist in client rate reviews and modeling new pricing proposals for 3PL service agreements.
• Ensure billing accuracy for storage, handling, outbound, returns, and special projects.
• Support month‑end billing reconciliation and resolution of client billing disputes.

• Support the month‑end and year‑end close process including journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations.
• Reconcile cost of goods sold (COGS), labor expenses, and overhead accounts.
• Assist with budget preparation, forecasting, and variance explanations.
• Maintain fixed asset schedules for warehouse equipment, forklifts, and racking systems.

• Identify and implement improvements to cost tracking, reporting workflows, and financial controls.
• Partner with IT and operations to optimize WMS and TMS data integration into financial systems.
• Document accounting procedures and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cost accounting functions.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA, CMA, or progress toward certification preferred.
• 3–5 years of cost accounting experience required; 3PL, logistics, or supply chain environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with inventory accounting, freight billing, and operational cost analysis.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, financial modeling).
• Experience with ERP systems (Net Suite preferred).
• Familiarity with BI and reporting tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar) is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑volume logistics environment with shifting priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present financial data to non‑financial stakeholders.
• Collaborative team player with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Health insurance – Medical, vision, dental and life insurance plans available.
• Disability Insurance – Short‑term and long‑term coverage.
• Paid Baby Bonding Time – because family is…