Cost Accountant

Cost Accountant – Manufacturing Plant (Mid‑Range Level)

Summary
The Cost Accountant supports a hands‑on manufacturing plant by maintaining accurate product costing, monitoring inventory activity, analyzing COGS and variances, and partnering with operations, supply chain, and finance. This role is central to improving cost visibility, inventory accuracy, and operational decision‑making within a plant environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Standard Costing & Product Cost Maintenance — Maintain and update standard costs, BOMs, routings, labor and overhead rates; assist with cost roll‑ups and periodic cost updates.
• Inventory Accounting & Controls — Reconcile raw materials, WIP, and finished goods; investigate discrepancies; support cycle counts and physical inventories; ensure ERP accuracy at the plant level.
• COGS & Margin Analysis — Analyze COGS trends, gross margin fluctuations, and cost drivers; prepare reports explaining price, usage, freight, duty, and manufacturing variances.
• Variance Analysis — Monitor and analyze PPV, labor/overhead absorption, scrap, yield, and production variances; partner with operations to resolve root causes.
• Month‑End Close Support — Prepare journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and cost‑related schedules; ensure timely and accurate close for plant operations.
• Operational Support — Work closely with production, warehouse, supply chain, and purchasing teams to improve cost accuracy, inventory discipline, and operational reporting.
• Data Integrity & ERP Discipline — Maintain clean cost and inventory data in the ERP; support process improvements to strengthen reporting accuracy and reduce noise.
• Reporting & Analysis — Prepare recurring and ad‑hoc reports on inventory, COGS, production metrics, and cost trends for plant leadership and finance.

Required Experience

• Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment is required — preferably in a plant‑based, hands‑on setting.
• 3–5+ years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and COGS.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Infor, Epicor, SAGE, etc.).
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis).
• Strong analytical mindset, accuracy, and ability to partner with operations.
• BS in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Compensation

Compensation depends on experience, depth of manufacturing exposure, and the ability to independently manage cost, inventory, and variance‑related projects. For this level, the typical salary range is $80,000 to $100,000.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person