Senior Cost Accountant

Position Summary

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for overseeing cost accounting and inventory control activities within a manufacturing environment. This role ensures the accuracy of standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis while supporting operational decision-making through financial analysis and cost transparency. The position works closely with operations, supply chain, and finance leadership to drive efficiency and financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting

• Maintain and update standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead within the ERP system
• Lead the annual standard cost roll and perform periodic cost updates as needed
• Analyze and explain material, labor, and overhead variances
• Monitor the impact of scrap, rework, and yield on product costs
• Support the quoting and pricing process through detailed cost analysis

Inventory Control

• Ensure accurate inventory valuation under standard costing methods
• Reconcile the inventory subledger to the General Ledger on a monthly basis
• Lead physical inventory counts and manage cycle count programs
• Monitor inventory for aging, slow-moving, and obsolete items
• Review and validate scrap, damage, and rework transactions (DMR)

Manufacturing & Operations Support

• Partner with production and supply chain teams to identify and analyze cost drivers
• Track operational metrics such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and scrap rates and their impact on cost performance
• Provide monthly cost performance reporting and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes related to manufacturing costs

Month-End Close & Reporting

• Perform month-end close activities related to cost accounting
• Prepare and post cost-related journal entries
• Analyze inventory reserves and recommend appropriate adjustments
• Support internal and external audit requests and requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• Minimum of 2 years of accounting experience, preferably in cost accounting or general ledger within a manufacturing environment
• Experience with ERP systems (Epicor, SAP, Oracle, or similar) preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and communicate financial insights

Preferred Skills

• Experience in a manufacturing or production environment
• Strong understanding of standard costing systems and inventory accounting
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills