Senior Cost Accountant

Our client is seeking a highly analytical and business-minded Senior Cost Analyst to join its manufacturing finance team. This role serves as a key financial partner to plant operations, providing critical analysis and insights that drive inventory accuracy, manufacturing performance, cost control, and operational decision-making.

The Senior Cost Analyst will work closely with production, supply chain, engineering, and finance leadership to analyze manufacturing activity, investigate cost variances, support inventory management, and improve overall financial visibility across plant operations and third-party manufacturing locations. This position offers a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional accounting responsibilities and become a trusted advisor to operational leadership in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Analyze manufacturing and ERP transaction activity to ensure accurate financial reporting of plant operations
• Investigate production, labor, material, and inventory variances and identify key business drivers
• Prepare and present monthly manufacturing variance analysis to plant and finance leadership
• Partner with operations teams to improve understanding of how shop floor activity impacts financial performance
• Provide actionable recommendations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen operational performance

• Monitor inventory accuracy and support inventory control initiatives
• Perform inventory reconciliations across manufacturing and third-party warehouse locations
• Support annual physical inventory counts and cycle count processes
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and ensure timely resolution of inventory-related issues
• Maintain strong internal controls surrounding inventory transactions and reporting

• Support month-end close activities related to inventory, cost accounting, and manufacturing operations
• Perform work-in-process (WIP) analysis and general ledger reconciliations
• Prepare reporting related to material usage, purchase price variances, production activity, and inventory performance
• Assist with monthly financial reporting and management reporting packages
• Develop and enhance reporting tools that provide meaningful insights to operational and finance leaders

• Support annual budgeting and standard cost development processes
• Assist with cost modeling for new products and manufacturing initiatives
• Partner with operations leadership to identify and track cost savings opportunities
• Support capital project analysis and labor capitalization activities
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost reduction and operational excellence

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, plant finance, or financial analysis
• Experience working within a manufacturing environment required
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, standard costing, and variance analysis
• Experience working with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, JD Edwards, or similar platforms
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred

The ideal candidate is curious, analytical, and comfortable working cross-functionally with both finance and operations teams. This individual enjoys solving problems, identifying process improvements, and translating data into meaningful business insights. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

This role offers significant visibility within the organization and provides a strong foundation for future growth within finance and operations leadership. You'll have the opportunity to influence business decisions, partner directly with manufacturing leadership, and contribute to initiatives that drive operational and financial performance.