Cost Accounting Manager

Cost Accounting Manager

Eden Prairie, MN
Direct Hire
Onsite
Salary range up to $137,000 DOQ's

Job Details
Description
Take the lead in a dynamic global role managing cost accounting and inventory across multiple manufacturing sites. This position offers the opportunity to drive process improvements, enhance financial accuracy, and make a tangible impact on business performance while collaborating with teams worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY DESCRIPTION / PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB
The Cost Accounting Manager will lead global cost accounting operations and inventory management, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all manufacturing locations. This role will own the development of cost standards, oversee variance analysis, and drive strategic initiatives to improve processes and systems. Acting as a key partner to Operations and Finance leadership, the manager will champion best practices and lead projects that enhance financial integrity, inventory control and operational performance.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/RESULTS

Leadership & Oversight
Manage and mentor a global team of cost accountants, fostering collaboration and accountability
Establish clear performance goals and provide ongoing coaching and development

Cost Accounting Excellence
Develop, implement, and maintain global cost standards for materials, labor, and overhead
Oversee preparation and review of accounting journal entries, reconciliations and financial reporting to ensure compliance with US GAAP and corporate policies
Personally, perform complex or high-impact journal entries when necessary to support accurate and timely financial close
Ensure accurate valuation of inventory and proper balance sheet reporting across all sites
Maintain strong internal controls and documentation for all cost accounting activities

Analysis & Reporting

Support monthly analysis of manufacturing variances by assisting in identifying root causes, and recommend corrective actions
Provide timely, insightful support in reporting on product cost performance and operational efficiency for senior leadership

Process Improvement & Projects
Drive global initiatives to streamline cost accounting processes and enhance system capabilities
Lead cleanup projects to eliminate inefficiencies and strengthen internal controls
Champion automation and digital tools to improve accuracy and reduce manual effort

Cross Functional Partnership
Collaborate with Operations, FP&A, and Commercial Finance to align cost standards and support strategic decision-making
Serve as a subject matter expert for cost accounting during audits and internal control reviews

Compliance & Governance
Maintain robust documentation of accounting policies and procedures
Ensure adherence to corporate financial policies and regulatory requirements

Other Duties
Support the physical inventory counts and cycle counts as needed
Perform other responsibilities as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education
Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA or CMA preferred

Experience
7+ years of cost accounting or manufacturing finance with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

Knowledge / Technical Requirements
Ability to apply knowledge of GAAP & Cost Accounting Standards
High proficiency in ERP systems (Oracle preferred) and Excel

Competencies, Skills & Abilities
Strategic Leadership:
Ability to set vision for global cost accounting and inventory management, aligning initiatives with business objectives
Influence &

Collaboration:

Skilled at building relationships across Operations, Finance, and leadership teams to drive alignment and change

Decision-Making Under Complexity:
Comfortable making informed decisions in a dynamic, global manufacturing environment

Continuous Improvement Orientation:
Demonstrates a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for efficiency and process optimization

Change Management:
Capable of leading organizational and system changes with minimal disruption

Business Acumen:
Strong understanding of how cost accounting impacts profitability, supply chain, and strategic planning

Communication Excellence:
Ability to convey complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders

Talent Development:
Committed to coaching and developing team members for future leadership roles

Other Compensation:

15% Bonus

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