Cost Accountant
Description Our client, a respected industry leader, is seeking an experienced Cost Accountant to join their manufacturing finance team. As a key member of the finance department, you will provide essential financial support to plant operations-enhancing profitability, enforcing strong controls, and ensuring accurate cost accounting in accordance with GAAP. You will play a leadership role with plant inventory, standard costing, systems upgrades, process improvement, and financial reporting. Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure timely and accurate accounting/reporting of cost of goods sold and inventory general ledger accounts.
- Act as finance lead for system upgrades (Sage and Alere) related to cost accounting processes.
- Oversee accuracy of standard costs-including bill of materials, item costs, labor routings/rates, and overhead allocations.
- Report cost variances and partner with operations and supervisors to analyze and reduce variances from standard costs.
- Safeguard the accuracy and controls of plant physical inventory; drive monthly cutoffs for receiving/shipping and internal controls.
- Support product pricing and gross margin evaluations by SKU and customer; analyze labor efficiencies and staffing.
- Analyze root causes of scrap, perform inventory cycle counts, and provide actionable management reporting for cost improvement.
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to track, analyze, and drive cost savings initiatives related to materials, labor, and overhead.
- Utilize activity-based costing (ABC) to allocate overhead and enhance operational decision-making.
- Work hands-on with plant floor supervisors to ensure understanding and adherence to standard costs and variances.
- Participate in Kaizen and process improvement activities; prepare investment analysis (IRR, payback, NPV) for new equipment.
- Prepare plant accruals per GAAP and reconcile plant-related G/L accounts.
- Perform other finance functions and ad hoc analysis as required.
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
- Minimum of 3+ years direct experience in cost accounting, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- CPA or CMA certification strongly preferred.
- Proficient with US GAAP and process/standard cost accounting principles.
- Advanced analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated experience driving process improvements and partnering cross-functionally.
- Strong expertise in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Access).
- Prior experience with Sage and Alere systems highly desirable.
- Ability to work independently, set priorities, and manage multiple assignments.
- Proven success as a strategically oriented financial analyst supporting production planning and operations.