Senior Cost Accountant

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for leading and managing cost accounting activities while supporting key financial responsibilities within the business unit. This role maintains a cost control environment that complies with internal control policies and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, provides financial analysis, investigates variances and anomalies, and supports operational and strategic decision-making through accurate costing and reporting.Key ResponsibilitiesCost Accounting & Manufacturing FinanceApply finance and cost accounting principles to financial and operational planning, reporting, and analysis.Maintain the manufacturing plant's cost accounting systems, cost controls, and data integrity.Coordinate, administer, and analyze manufacturing operations, including: sales and cost of sales analysis, labor reporting, product costing, material usage variance analysis, inventory adjustments used for pricing reviewsDevelop a comprehensive understanding of cost flows, including machine and labor hours, overhead allocations, and material costs to ensure proper costing.Inventory Management & ControlsLead the planning, coordination, execution, and analysis of physical inventory activities.Reconcile financial inventory records to perpetual inventory records on a monthly basis.Coordinate inventory processes across production departments, outside stockrooms, and vendors.Oversee and manage the annual Fixed Asset Physical Inventory process and annual 4-Wall Inventory.Review, analyze, and report on: inventory levels, inventory reserves, including excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory, slow-moving inventory, obsolete inventory, scrap activity, intercompany transfersMonitor cycle count performance and compliance with corporate cycle count procedures.Issue monthly cycle count reports and analysis.Standard CostingEnsure accurate product costing through review of bills of materials (BOMs), overhead rates, routings, and related cost drivers.Review and load material standard costs into the ERP system.Perform assembly cost rollups.Analyze cost changes, margin impacts, and inventory valuation adjustments.Conduct make-versus-buy analyses.Execute standard cost update processes.Develop and monitor labor and overhead rates by department and cost center.Partner with manufacturing engineering to ensure cost and rate accuracy.Review cost routings and BOMs for reasonableness and accuracy.Drive, prepare, and analyze information required for annual standard cost updates.Perform quarterly LIFO calculations and reporting.Review and close manufacturing work orders.Variance Analysis & ReportingAnalyze and validate monthly labor utilization and efficiency results.Review and investigate purchase price variances and material usage variances.Collaborate with marketing and purchasing to establish appropriate costs for new parts and assemblies.Prepare monthly manufacturing performance reports and analyze results against forecasts and budgets.Monitor weekly MMC reports for fluctuations, abnormalities, margin concerns, or other potential issues.Research and explain financial variances, anomalies, and operational performance trends.Financial Accounting & Capital ManagementPrepare recurring monthly journal entries related to inventory, labor reporting, cost of sales, and other assigned areas.Complete account reconciliations supporting monthly journal entries.Track capital project spending and maintain the Capital Roll-forward.Create and monitor accounting for special projects.Assist in the preparation of annual operating and capital budgets.Systems, Analytics & Process ImprovementDevelop computer-driven reports, dashboards, and operational metrics to support manufacturing and business operations.Analyze and interpret data to support decision-making and operational improvements.Identify and implement process improvements that enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of cost accounting and financial reporting processes.Create, maintain, and update documentation for: cost accounting processes, internal controls, standard operating procedures, compliance and knowledge retention purposesCollaboration, Compliance & Audit SupportWork closely with manufacturing personnel, production planners, engineering, purchasing, and marketing teams.Support planning and scheduling efforts to improve inventory controls and internal programs.Assist with internal and external audits.Maintain compliance with company internal control requirements and SOX regulations.Perform ad hoc reporting, analysis, special projects, and other related duties as assigned.Requirements Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Accounting.Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing cost accounting experience in a standard cost environment.Experience supporting manufacturing operations through costing, inventory management, and financial analysis.SOX Section 404 internal control assessment experience.Preferred QualificationsCPA designation or active CPA candidate strongly preferred.MBA or CMA is a plus.Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (formerly Navision) preferred.Experience with HFM preferred.Technical SkillsStrong knowledge of Microsoft Office with advanced Excel skills.Strong understanding of accounting principles and manufacturing cost accounting concepts.Excellent analytical and financial analysis capabilities.Ability to develop reports, dashboards, and metrics and interpret resulting data effectively.Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and cost efficiency.Ability to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.Professional SkillsHighly productive self-starter with a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.Detail-oriented with strong accountability and the ability to produce accurate, timely work.Strong communication, presentation, leadership, interpersonal, planning, and problem-solving skills.Ability to work effectively across functions and at all levels of the organization.Well organized, self-directed, and capable of managing multiple priorities.Team player with high energy and a collaborative approach.Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.About the Business UnitAmptek, an AMETEK company, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced X-ray and gamma-ray detection systems, X-ray sources, and analytical instrumentation. Its innovative technologies support a wide range of applications, including scientific research, industrial inspection, medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and aerospace missions. As part of AMETEK, a worldwide provider of industrial technology solutions, Amptek combines cutting-edge innovation with a strong commitment to quality, customer collaboration, and continuous improvement. For more information, visit and