Manager Cost Accounting I

Short Description

We are seeking an experienced  Cost Accounting Manager to join our global operation. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate and reliable product standard costing, supporting operational decision-making, and driving financial transparency.

The Cost Accounting Manager will oversee all aspects of standard costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing variance analysis. This position partners closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Finance teams to improve processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and support strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will also act as a subject matter expert for ERP costing processes and help drive system and reporting improvements.

Location: Reno, Nevada

Responsibilities

• Lead the cost accounting function through month-end and year-end close processes.
• Manage the development, maintenance, and accuracy of standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead.
• Monitor and analyze manufacturing variances (PPV, labor productivity, absorption, overhead spending) and partner with operational teams to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate valuation of raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods, and inventory in transit.
• Partner with FP&A to support forecasting, annual budgeting, and long-range planning activities.
• Develop reports and financial reporting packages to support plant and executive leadership.
• Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to optimize item structures and work definitions to support reliable standard costing.
• Lead cycle count and annual physical inventory processes while ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance costing accuracy, reporting efficiency, and internal controls.
• Support business case development for capital investments and make-vs-buy decisions.
• Build strong relationships with cross-functional stakeholders to support operational and financial success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of progressive cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with SAP system.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience building dashboards and reporting tools.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, and inventory valuation principles.
• Proven ability to improve processes and implement system enhancements.
• Experience working cross-functionally with operations, engineering, and supply chain teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present financial information.

Keys to Success

• Building collaborative relationships
• Decision making
• Drive results
• Foster innovation
• Personal energy
• Self-leadership