Cost Accountant

Summary/Objective:

The Cost Accountant is responsible for providing financial oversight throughout the entire lifecycle of customer projects, from sales order review through final invoicing and project closeout. This position partners closely with Sales, Estimating, Engineering, Purchasing, Production, Project Management, and Finance to ensure accurate project costing, timely financial reporting, and proactive identification of cost, schedule, and profitability risks.

This role will be responsible for developing and maintaining robust project costing and manufacturing reporting within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, improving the Company's ability to measure profitability, monitor work-in-process (WIP), analyze production costs, and support informed operational decision-making. The Project & Manufacturing Cost Accountant serves as a financial business partner to Operations, helping ensure projects are delivered on budget while continuously improving costing processes, manufacturing visibility, and financial controls.

Responsibilities:

• Review sales orders, project estimates, Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, and supporting documentation to ensure accurate project setup and costing.
• Monitor project costs, forecasts, budgets, and gross margins throughout the project lifecycle, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Analyze completed projects to compare estimated versus actual costs and provide recommendations to improve future bid accuracy.
• Analyze manufacturing performance, including labor efficiency, material usage, scrap, rework, inventory transactions, and production variances.
• Maintain and evaluate work-in-process (WIP), inventory costing, standard costs, and inventory valuation processes.
• Prepare profitability analyses, forecasts, variance reports, and financial summaries for projects, customers, products, and operations.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, KPIs, and management reports to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve costing, reporting, inventory, and project accounting processes within Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
• Partner with Estimating, Purchasing, Production, Project Management, and Accounting to improve profitability, cost accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Support month-end close activities, inventory reconciliations, audits, special projects, and other financial initiatives while identifying opportunities to strengthen internal controls and business processes.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing accounting, project accounting, job costing, inventory valuation, and work-in-process (WIP) accounting.
• Experience analyzing Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, labor standards, inventory transactions, and production costs.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, Power Query, complex formulas, and financial modeling.
• Ability to analyze complex operational and financial data and provide actionable business recommendations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Five or more years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, project accounting, financial analysis, or a related role.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Power BI, and manufacturing costing systems preferred.
• Experience in fabrication, steel manufacturing, pipe fabrication, engineered-to-order manufacturing, or similar industrial environments preferred.
• CPA or CMA certification (or progress toward certification) preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Build Your Career. Make an Impact. Grow With Us.

At Freedom Waterworks, we believe great employees are developed, not just hired. Whether you're starting your career or looking for a new opportunity, we provide hands-on training, career growth, and the support needed to succeed in the waterworks industry.

We are committed to:
•Career Development – We hire for potential and invest in training, coaching, and professional growth.
•Advancement Opportunities – Many of our team members grow into leadership and specialized roles through internal promotion and development.
•Safety First – We are committed to providing a safe workplace where every employee goes home safely each day.
•Team-Oriented Culture – We treat employees with respect, value hard work, and foster a collaborative environment where everyone contributes to our success.
•Meaningful Work – Our products and services help deliver clean water and support critical infrastructure in the communities we serve.
•Employee Appreciation – From company events and recognition programs to competitive benefits and paid time off, we strive to take care of our people.