Cost Accountant Job Lexington area,Kentucky USA,Accounting

Cost Accountant About the Opportunity

We are seeking a detail-oriented Cost Accountant to support financial reporting, cost analysis, inventory accounting, and operational decision-making. This role partners closely with manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and finance teams to analyze production costs, improve profitability, and provide actionable insights that drive business performance.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, experience with inventory and cost accounting, and a passion for process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain and analyze standard costs, labor costs, and overhead allocations
Prepare and review cost accounting reports and variance analyses
Monitor inventory transactions and ensure inventory accuracy
Analyze material, labor, and manufacturing variances and communicate findings to management
Support monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes
Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
Assist with inventory counts and cycle count programs
Evaluate product costs, margins, and profitability trends
Partner with operations to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve efficiencies
Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
Develop and maintain costing models and reporting tools
Assist with internal and external audit requests
Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and GAAP

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
2-5+ years of accounting or cost accounting experience
Strong understanding of inventory accounting and cost accounting principles
Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and data analysis
Experience working within an ERP system (SAP, Oracle, Net Suite, Dynamics, JD Edwards, etc.)
Knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements

Preferred Experience

Manufacturing, distribution, or industrial environment
Standard costing and inventory valuation
Bill of Materials (BOM) analysis
Labor and overhead cost allocation
Physical inventory and cycle counting processes
Power BI or advanced financial reporting tools

Desired Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Excellent attention to detail
Ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders
Process improvement mindset
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Why Candidates Love This Role

Exposure to both accounting and operational leadership
Opportunity to influence profitability and business decisions
Strong visibility within manufacturing and finance organizations
Broad experience with inventory, production, and financial analysis
Clear path toward Senior Cost Accountant, Accounting Manager, Plant Controller, or Finance Manager positions