POSITION SUMMARY
The Cost Accountant owns the company's standard cost system, inventory valuation, and manufacturing variance analysis. This role partners directly with Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering to establish accurate product costs, analyze production and material variances, and provide the cost information used to evaluate margin, pricing, and productivity. This role operates with independent judgment over cost methodology within policies set by the Controller. Work is performed in an office within a manufacturing facility with regular time on the production floor.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following functions are essential to the successful performance of this position:
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Maintain the standard cost system, including material, labor, and overhead cost elements, routings, and bills of material.
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Perform the annual standard cost roll and analyze the financial impact of cost changes.
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Calculate and analyze manufacturing variances, including purchase price, material usage, labor efficiency, rate, and overhead absorption variances.
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Investigate variance drivers with Operations and Supply Chain leadership and report root causes and corrective recommendations.
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Value inventory at month-end, including raw material, work-in-process, and finished goods, and prepare related reserve analyses.
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Coordinate and audit physical inventory and cycle count programs; analyze and explain count adjustments.
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Analyze product-line and job-level margin performance and report results to Accounting and Operations leadership.
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Develop and maintain overhead absorption rates and labor rates in coordination with the Controller.
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Review labor routing and job costing data in the ERP system for accuracy and completeness.
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Prepare cost analysis supporting capital project requests, make-versus-buy decisions, and pricing reviews.
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Prepare cost-related journal entries, account reconciliations, and month-end close schedules.
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Develop and maintain cost accounting reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators for operational leadership.
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Provide cost and inventory documentation in support of internal and external audits.
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Recommend improvements to cost accounting methods, ERP configuration, and internal controls over inventory.
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Ensure compliance with the company's Quality Management System (QMS) guidelines and all applicable regulatory requirements.
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Follow all company safety, environmental, and regulatory standards and promote safe work practices.
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Actively participate in and support the principles of Open-Book Management.
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Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field required.
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Minimum of three (3) years of cost accounting or manufacturing accounting experience.
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Demonstrated knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and bill of material structures.
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Working knowledge of GAAP as applied to inventory and cost of goods sold.
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Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including large data set analysis.
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Experience working with an ERP or MRP system in a manufacturing environment.
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Demonstrated ability to communicate financial information to non-financial audiences, including production supervisors and operations leadership.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Experience with Infor CloudSuite Industrial (SyteLine) or a comparable manufacturing ERP system.
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Experience in remanufacturing, repair, or job-shop production environments.
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CMA, CPA, or comparable professional certification.
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Experience supporting continuous improvement or lean manufacturing initiatives.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
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Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, which includes criminal history, financial/credit review, and drug screening.
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Must be authorized to work in the United States.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position is performed in an office setting within a manufacturing facility and is primarily sedentary. The employee is required to sit at a desk and use a computer for approximately 90% of the workday. Regular short-duration visits to production, warehouse, and inventory areas require standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing or descending stairs. Occasional lifting or carrying of objects up to 25 pounds is required. The ability to view a computer screen, use a keyboard and mouse, and communicate verbally and in writing is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office/desk environment located within a manufacturing facility, with regular scheduled time on the production floor, in the warehouse, and in inventory storage areas. Exposure to dust, noise, fumes, moving equipment, and temperature variations occurs when in production areas. Required personal protective equipment, including safety-toe shoes and safety glasses, must be worn in all designated areas.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
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Comply with all company and regulatory safety and environmental standards at all times.
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Follow established departmental policies, procedures, objectives, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
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Actively support the principles of Open-Book Management and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or added as necessary to meet the needs of the business. The company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM / Extended time may be required based on business needs before or after shift and/or weekends as needed
