Cost Accounting Manager

Schaumburg, United States | Posted on 01/05/2026

The Cost Accounting Manager plays a critical role in driving financial health and operational efficiency s position leads all aspects of cost accounting, focusing on accurate accumulation, analysis, and reporting of product/inventory costs, and variance analysis. Serving as a strategic business partner to supply chain, operations, and logistics, this individual collaborates cross‑functionally to provide financial insights, ensure compliance, and identify cost and process improvement opportunities.

Additionally, this role liaisons with international businesses to align cost accounting practices globally. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, deep system knowledge (SAP/Vistex), and a proactive approach to problem‑solving and process optimization.

• Develop and maintain costing policies in accordance with company accounting policies and internal controls to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Ensure cost accounting policies and practices conform to the requirements of U.S. GAAP.
• Monitor and update cost accounting procedures in response to changes in business operations, systems, or regulatory requirements.

• Accumulate and report product costs and variances, delivering meaningful insights to support operational and strategic decisions.
• Prepare and maintain inventory costing models; update standard cost rates and conduct profitability and variance analysis (e.g., PPV, absorption).
• Regularly prepare, analyze, and present reports on product costs, variances, and margins for management review.

• Direct efforts supporting inventory existence, such as directing cycle count program, overseeing physical inventory counts, time studies, and reconciliation processes to ensure inventory existence and valuation accuracy.
• Ensure accuracy of cost and inventory information in SAP; validate PO data and costing entries.
• Serve as SME for SAP and partner with project/operations teams to drive system/process improvements.

• Provide financial guidance to supply chain, operations, and logistics teams.
• Lead manufacturing‑related budget preparation and issue resolution for identified locations.
• Identify and implement cost‑saving initiatives and process improvements.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Experience

Requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive cost accounting experience in a distribution, manufacturing, or similar environment.

• In‑depth understanding of cost accounting, inventory valuation, and U.S. GAAP.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial concepts.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, agile environment.
• Intellectual curiosity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required or equivalent experience; CPA designation preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be substituted for education.

Computer Skills

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience working in a Windows environment. Proficiency in SAP (preferably SAP S/4

HANA) and Vistex (strongly preferred). Advanced Excel skills and experience working with large and complex data sets.

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