Cost Accountant

Location: South Bend, Indiana (Onsite)
Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 annually

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Cost Accountant to join our growing team in South Bend, Indiana. This fully onsite role will be responsible for analyzing manufacturing and operational costs, monitoring profitability, identifying financial trends, and driving process improvements through meaningful financial analysis. The ideal candidate is naturally curious, enjoys uncovering inefficiencies, and has a proven ability to identify problems and implement effective solutions.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for an accounting professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys partnering with operations leadership to improve financial performance and support strategic decision-making.

• Analyze product, manufacturing, and operational costs to ensure accurate financial reporting and profitability analysis.
• Prepare and review monthly cost accounting reports, including margin analysis, variance reporting, and key performance metrics.
• Investigate and explain material, labor, overhead, and production variances.
• Develop recommendations to improve cost controls, operational efficiencies, and overall profitability.
• Partner closely with operations, production, and finance teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
• Assist with month-end close activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and inventory-related accounting.
• Monitor inventory transactions and support inventory valuation and cycle count processes.
• Evaluate standard costing methodologies and maintain cost accounting systems and procedures.
• Conduct financial modeling and analysis to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives.
• Identify financial risks, discrepancies, and inefficiencies while proactively developing corrective actions.
• Prepare management reports and present findings to leadership teams.
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, or related accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles, inventory accounting, and financial analysis.
• Experience with margin reporting, profitability analysis, and variance analysis.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with ERP systems.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Self-motivated individual who actively seeks opportunities to identify issues and implement solutions.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with standard costing and inventory management processes.
• Continuous improvement or process improvement experience.

• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail
• Problem identification and solution development
• Financial and operational analysis
• Strategic thinking
• Process improvement
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Accountability and ownership
• Effective communication and presentation skills

• Competitive salary of $80,000 - $95,000
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Career advancement potential within a growing organization