Senior Cost Accountant

Position Summary

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting product and operational costs to support accurate financial reporting and strategic business decision-making. This role partners closely with manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and finance teams to ensure inventory accuracy, cost control, and continuous process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze standard costs, including labor, material, and overhead rates.
• Perform monthly inventory reconciliations and ensure inventory valuation accuracy.
• Prepare and analyze cost variance reports, including purchase price, labor, usage, and manufacturing variances.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Monitor manufacturing and operational costs to identify trends, risks, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop and maintain product costing models for existing and new products.
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Conduct inventory cycle count reviews and support annual physical inventories.
• Evaluate inventory reserves, excess and obsolete inventory, and related accounting entries.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and internal controls.
• Partner with operations leadership to improve manufacturing efficiency and cost management.
• Prepare reports and presentations for management regarding cost performance and profitability.
• Support ERP system enhancements, process improvements, and automation initiatives.
• Assist internal and external auditors with requested financial documentation and analyses.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Dynamics, or similar platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Knowledge of GAAP and internal control procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
• Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau.

Key Competencies

• Financial Analysis
• Cost Management
• Inventory Control
• Variance Analysis
• Business Partnership
• Attention to Detail
• Process Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

Compensation

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off

This position is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys driving profitability through detailed cost analysis and operational partnership.