Cost Accountant (Manufacturing)

Job Description

Job Title: Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Department: Finance

Location: On-site in Eau Claire, WI

Reports to: Finance Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a Manufacturing Cost Accountant to support financial operations across two manufacturing facilities. This is a hands-on role that works closely with Production, Supply Chain, and plant leadership to analyze manufacturing costs, understand operational performance, and provide financial insight that supports business decisions.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a manufacturing environment, enjoys analyzing data, and can clearly connect financial results to what is happening on the production floor.

Key Responsibilities

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• Analyze actual manufacturing costs against standard costs and budgets, identifying key drivers, trends, and variances.
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• Partner with Production, Supply Chain, and plant leadership to understand cost variances and identify opportunities for improvement.
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• Prepare monthly manufacturing reports and support month-end and year-end close activities, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
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• Maintain standard costing, inventory valuation, and obsolete inventory reserves.
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• Support financial controls related to manufacturing costs, inventory, and fixed assets.
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• Track capital expenditures and support fixed asset accounting, depreciation, and IFRS 16 lease activity.
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• Assist with annual budgeting and forecasting activities.
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• Support internal and external audits by providing financial analysis, documentation, and supporting schedules.
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• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, processes, and financial controls within the manufacturing operation.
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Qualifications

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• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
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• 3+ years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, plant finance, or a similar role.
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• Experience with standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing operations.
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• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP and familiarity with IFRS.
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• Experience working with ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
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• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
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• Ability to work effectively with both finance and operational teams.
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What Success Looks Like

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• Clearly explain the drivers behind manufacturing costs and financial results.
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• Build strong working relationships with plant and operational teams.
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• Identify issues, investigate root causes, and follow through on corrective actions.
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• Manage competing priorities across month-end close, reporting, budgeting, and audit activities.
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• Bring a practical, analytical, and continuous-improvement mindset to the role.
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Travel: Periodic travel between two sites required