Cost Accountant

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, Timber Tech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and Stru Xure®.
With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
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The Cost Accountant will be responsible for ensuring that the proper accounting and controls are executed in the plant and for completing analysis. This role will partner with Operational and Finance teams to analyze processes, financial trends and develop ways to improve the manufacturing performance. The Cost Accountant w ill manage the core accounting functions within the manufacturing plant. The Cost Accountant is also responsible for coordinating and conducting cycle counts and annual physical counts within the plant, guiding the cost analysis process, and building and controlling the plant’s annual budget.

Partner with plant leadership to analyze financial and operational performance, identify trends, and drive profitability.
Support budgeting, forecasting, month-end close, and financial reporting activities.
Analyze manufacturing costs, inventory, and production variances; provide actionable recommendations.
Lead cost-saving and process improvement initiatives across finance and operations.
Ensure accurate financial records, SOX compliance, and audit readiness.
Deliver insights and recommendations to support operational and business decisions.
Perform capital investment analysis, including NPV, IRR, and payback evaluations.
Support inventory controls, cycle counts, and cost accounting processes.

Additional responsibilities may include: managing production and inventory transactions in SAP, overseeing inventory accuracy and MRB processes, resolving purchasing and invoice issues, and supporting physical inventory counts.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance required
• Minimum ofthreeyearsofexperience in an accounting or finance role required
• Manufacturing experience required
• Knowledge of inventory management, cycle counts, and BOMs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Knowledge of cost accounting, manufacturing finance, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Experience with financial reporting, month-end close, and inventory accounting.
• Understanding of internal controls, SOX compliance, and audit support.
• Ability to identify process improvements and drive operational efficiencies.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP preferred) and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong business partnering, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience performing capital investment analysis (NPV, IRR, and payback).
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $80,000.00 to $99,000.00. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build…