Cost & Inventory Accounting Specialist

Cost & Inventory Accounting SpecialistThis position will support product costing, inventory valuation, variance analysis, SAP data accuracy, month end closing, and continuous improvement of cost accounting and inventory-control processes in a manufacturing environment.The ideal candidate has hands-on manufacturing cost accounting experience, strong Excel and data-analysis skills, and experience with SAP or a similar ERP system. This role will work closely with Finance, Production, Purchasing, and Warehouse teams to investigate issues, improve data accuracy, and strengthen financial and operational controls.Cost Accounting & Variance AnalysisSupport standard cost and actual cost analysis for manufactured products.Analyze material, labor, and overhead variances and investigate significant or unusual items.Review production-order results and support analysis of Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).Prepare recurring cost reports, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.Support cost-related journal entries and month-end and year-end closing activities.Inventory Valuation & ControlReview, analyze, correct, and monitor Moving Average Prices (MAP).Support accurate inventory valuation and reconcile inventory balances between SAP, accounting records, and physical inventory results.Assist with physical inventory counts, cycle counts, count adjustments, and related documentation.Analyze slow-moving, excess, obsolete, and potentially impaired inventory.Investigate inventory discrepancies and coordinate timely corrective actions with responsible departments.SAP Master Data & Production Data ReviewSupport the review and maintenance of SAP master data affecting inventory valuation and product cost.Review Bills of Material (BOM), routings, and production-order data for accuracy and consistency.Identify data issues, research root causes, and coordinate corrections with Finance and operational teams.Use SAP and Excel data to identify trends, exceptions, and control gaps.Process Improvement & Internal ControlSupport the planning, analysis, and continuous improvement of cycle-count programs.Develop and maintain monitoring procedures for inventory and cost-accounting activities.Document accounting processes, controls, issue resolution, and corrective-action follow-up.Support internal controls, J-SOX activities, and internal and external audit requests.Collaborate with Production, Purchasing, Warehouse, and Finance teams to improve cost performance and inventory accuracy.Position Requirements (knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform satisfactorily in the position):Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.Cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.Working knowledge of inventory valuation, product costing, and variance analysis.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP, SUMIFS, and analysis of large datasets.Experience with ERP systems.Strong attention to detail, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills.Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow issues through resolution.Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.PreferredHands-on SAP experience, particularly with inventory, material valuation, production orders, or cost-related processes.Experience reviewing Moving Average Prices (MAP), BOMs, routings, and production-order data.Experience with physical inventory, cycle counts, slow-moving or obsolete inventory analysis, and inventory reconciliations.Experience supporting month-end close, financial audits, internal controls, or J-SOX compliance.CPA, CMA, or progress toward a relevant professional certification.Skills & CompetenciesStrong analytical thinking and ability to investigate transaction-level details.High level of accuracy, organization, ownership, and accountability.Ability to work independently while escalating significant issues appropriately.Practical, hands-on approach to problem solving and process improvement.Ability to communicate accounting and data issues clearly to non-finance stakeholders.Comfort working in a structured, process-driven manufacturing environment.Physical Demands:Standing over 1/3 of time.Walking under 1/3 of time.Sitting under 2/3 of time.Talking over 2/3 of time.Lifting up to 20 lbs. under 1/3 of time.Hearing all the time.Keyboarding 2/3 of time.English and grammar usage skills over 2/3 of time.This position is on-site, remote or hybrid work is not availableMAS is an equal opportunity employer. Employment opportunities are based on an individual's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, color, age, sex, familial status, religion, national origin, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected status.This policy governs all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, selection, job assignment, promotions, transfers, compensation, discipline, termination, layoff, access to benefits and training, and all other conditions and privileges of employment.