Cost Accountant
St. Louis, MO
Job Description
The Cost Accountant is responsible for managing cost accounting and general ledger functions for assigned manufacturing plants, serving as the primary liaison between plant operations and the headquarters finance organization. This role focuses on cost controlling, financial reporting, and the development of product cost standards to support accurate budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
Responsibilities
Prepare detailed plant financial budgeting and forecasting reports to support operational and strategic decision-making.
Perform monthly financial closing activities, including variance analysis, to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
Ensure consistent cost and expense categorization across all assigned plants to maintain comparability and integrity of financial data.
Issue monthly financial key performance indicators (KPIs) for plant cost controlling and monitor trends to identify improvement opportunities.
Prepare monthly general ledger account reconciliations to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records.
Develop and maintain product cost standards to support pricing, profitability analysis, and operational planning.
Prepare financial data and documentation to support internal and external audits, including SOX controls, for areas of responsibility.
Perform ad hoc financial and cost analysis as needed to support management inquiries and special projects.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or an equivalent field of study.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing finance, plant accounting, or cost accounting.
Hands-on experience with cost accounting and month-end closing activities.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
R3 SAP experience in FI (Financial Accounting) and CO (Controlling) modules is highly desired.
SOX audit experience is a plus.
Experience preparing financial KPIs and reporting for manufacturing environments.
Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis in a plant or manufacturing setting.
Work Environment
This role follows a hybrid work schedule, with on-site work from Monday through Thursday and remote work on Fridays, during normal business hours. The position supports manufacturing plant operations and the headquarters finance organization, requiring regular interaction with both plant and office-based teams in a professional business environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Creve Coeur, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $46.15/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Creve Coeur,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 18, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com ( astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.