Position Summary
The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for overseeing cost accounting and inventory control activities within a manufacturing environment. This role ensures the accuracy of standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis while supporting operational decision-making through financial analysis and cost transparency. The position works closely with operations, supply chain, and finance leadership to drive efficiency and financial performance.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Accounting
- Maintain and update standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead within the ERP system
- Lead the annual standard cost roll and perform periodic cost updates as needed
- Analyze and explain material, labor, and overhead variances
- Monitor the impact of scrap, rework, and yield on product costs
- Support the quoting and pricing process through detailed cost analysis
Inventory Control
- Ensure accurate inventory valuation under standard costing methods
- Reconcile the inventory subledger to the General Ledger on a monthly basis
- Lead physical inventory counts and manage cycle count programs
- Monitor inventory for aging, slow-moving, and obsolete items
- Review and validate scrap, damage, and rework transactions (DMR)
Manufacturing & Operations Support
- Partner with production and supply chain teams to identify and analyze cost drivers
- Track operational metrics such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and scrap rates and their impact on cost performance
- Provide monthly cost performance reporting and key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes related to manufacturing costs
Month-End Close & Reporting
- Perform month-end close activities related to cost accounting
- Prepare and post cost-related journal entries
- Analyze inventory reserves and recommend appropriate adjustments
- Support internal and external audit requests and requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
- Minimum of 2 years of accounting experience, preferably in cost accounting or general ledger within a manufacturing environment
- Experience with ERP systems (Epicor, SAP, Oracle, or similar) preferred
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and communicate financial insights
Preferred Skills
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment
- Strong understanding of standard costing systems and inventory accounting
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills