Cost Accountant

Department : Finance & Accounting Reports To : Head of Finance FLSA Status : Exempt, Full-Time Position Summary The Cost Accountant serves as a key business partner to manufacturing and operations leadership, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and analysis of production costs, inventory, and financial reporting across multiple manufacturing locations.

This role is responsible for maintaining and improving cost accounting processes, supporting inventory controls, analyzing plant performance, and providing meaningful financial insights that drive operational efficiency and profitability. The successful candidate combines strong accounting knowledge with a hands-on understanding of manufacturing operations and is comfortable working closely with plant personnel, managers, and executive leadership to identify cost drivers, track performance metrics, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Abilities for Position Success: Building Collaborative Relationships: Must have the ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. Confronts all problems with an intent to find solutions rather than blame.

Establishes “win-win” relationships as opposed to “us versus them” relationships. Reflects Company Values: Teamwork, Integrity, Accountability Essential Duties and Responsibilities Cost Accounting & Financial Analysis Maintain accurate cost accounting records for materials, labor, overhead, and inventory. Analyze budgeted versus actual costs and explain cost variances.

Monitor and report key manufacturing performance indicators, trends, and cost drivers. Prepare monthly cost reports and management analyses for plant leadership and executive management. Support plant profitability analysis, product margin reporting, and operational decision-making. Develop recommendations for cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and process optimization.

Inventory Management & Controls Perform inventory reconciliations and investigate inventory variances. Review and validate production, inventory, and shipping data from multiple manufacturing facilities. Ensure accurate recording of raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventory. Partner with operations teams to improve inventory accuracy and inventory management processes.

Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs. Manufacturing Operations Support Collaborate closely with plant managers and production teams to understand operational activities and cost drivers. Analyze bill of materials (BOM) structures and recommend improvements to costing methodologies. Assist management in identifying opportunities for labor, material, and production efficiencies.

Develop and maintain operational reporting tools that support plant performance initiatives. Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement Maintain and enhance financial and operational reports utilizing ERP and reporting systems. Support ERP implementation to Business Central, data migration, and process improvement initiatives.

Develop, streamline, and automate recurring inventory and production reporting processes. Evaluate system enhancements and technology solutions that improve accounting and operational visibility. Compliance & Internal Controls Support monthly close activities related to inventory and cost accounting. Assist with internal and external audits.

Maintain compliance with company accounting policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Strengthen controls surrounding inventory, production reporting, and financial data accuracy.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required. Experience 3-5+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment preferred. Experience supporting multiple manufacturing facilities is highly desirable. ERP implementation or ERP optimization experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and GAAP. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, pivot tables, and complex reporting. Experience with ERP systems such as Sage, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, or similar manufacturing platforms. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with manufacturing personnel, managers, and executive leadership. Ability to translate operational data into meaningful financial insights. CPA or CMA designation is a plus but not required. Work Environment Combination of office and manufacturing plant environments. Regular interaction with operations personnel and production leadership.

Periodic travel between company facilities may be required.