Cost Accounting Manager Winchester, Virginia

Title: Cost Accounting Manager

Company: Heven Aero Tech

Location: Winchester, Virginia

FLSA: Exempt

The Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for analyzing, tracking, and reporting manufacturing and operational costs to support informed business decision-making. This role partners closely with operations, supply chain, engineering, and finance leadership to maintain cost integrity, drive margin improvement, and ensure accurate inventory valuation across the organization. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with a collaborative approach, exceptional analytical skills, and a continuous improvement mindset.

• Maintain and update standard cost models, including materials, labor, and overhead rates.
• Perform variance analysis (purchase price, labor efficiency, and overhead absorption) and communicate findings and recommendations to management.
• Own the accounting impact of manufacturing processes and provide guidance on operational decisions affecting financial reporting, inventory valuation, and cost accounting.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance cost accuracy, reporting efficiency, and internal controls.
• Monitor and reconcile inventory accounts, including raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries, accruals, and cost of goods sold (COGS) reconciliations.
• Analyze product profitability, cost trends, and operational efficiency metrics to support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams on new product cost estimates, bill of materials (BOM) reviews, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Prepare cost reports, dashboards, and ad hoc financial analyses for senior leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Assist in the development of annual budgets and quarterly forecasts related to manufacturing and operational costs.
• Conduct periodic physical inventory counts and cycle counts; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company accounting policies.
• Support internal and external audits by providing cost data, analyses, and supporting documentation.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, inventory accounting, and inventory reconciliation processes.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, and financial data modeling.
• Solid knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting principles.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across finance, operations, supply chain, and engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial information to senior leadership.

• Experience with Activity-Based Costing (ABC) or Lean manufacturing environments.
• Background in multi‑site or multi‑entity manufacturing operations.
• Experience with SOX compliance and internal control frameworks.
• Eligibility to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

• Standard costing and variance analysis
• Inventory valuation and reconciliation
• GAAP compliance and financial reporting
• ERP systems proficiency and advanced Excel capabilities
• Financial analysis and cost modeling

• Cross‑functional collaboration and partnership
• Executive‑level communication and presentation skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Continuous improvement and process optimization mindset
• Strong business acumen and decision‑support capabilities

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while performing desk‑based work.
• Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret detailed financial and operational data on screens and printed materials.
• Occasional…