Cost Accounting Lead

OverviewThe Lead Cost Accountant is responsible for end-to-end cost accounting, inventory control, and operational financial reporting across multiple business units, with direct support for Performance Parts manufacturing (sheet metal) and distribution (warehouse operations). This role serves as a strategic finance partner to operations, providing insight into cost drivers, labor productivity, and margin performance. The position blends technical cost accounting expertise with ownership of inventory processes, multi-entity P&L consolidation, and leadership of billing and transactional accounting staff.ResponsibilitiesCost Accounting & AnalysisMaintain and update standard costs for labor, materials, and overhead within the ERP system (Oracle EBS preferred)Analyze and explain key variances, including labor, overhead, purchase price, and usageSupport cost rollups and ensure accuracy of frozen standard costsProvide ongoing analysis of cost drivers and margin performanceInventory Management & ControlOwn inventory accuracy, valuation, and reporting across sheet metal manufacturing and parts warehouse operations (including picking and distribution)Lead physical inventory counts and cycle count programs across manufacturing and warehouse locationsInvestigate and resolve inventory discrepancies in partnership with operationsStrengthen inventory controls, processes, and data integrity across both manufacturing and distribution environmentsOperations Finance & Margin SupportPartner with manufacturing and warehouse operations to analyze labor productivity, picking efficiency, and labor-to-sales ratiosProvide visibility into cost drivers across production and distribution workflowsIdentify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and cost structureServe as a primary financial liaison between accounting and operations teamsRevenue & P&L ReportingManage and support revenue accruals and related financial entriesConsolidate and report financial results across multiple P&Ls/business unitsProvide clear, actionable reporting on margins, cost trends, and financial performanceSupport leadership with insights to drive informed business decisionsTeam Leadership & OversightSupervise billing clerks and transactional accounting staffEnsure accuracy, timeliness, and consistency in billing processesProvide coaching, performance direction, and oversight of daily activitiesDrive process improvements and strengthen internal controlsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field5–10+ years of experience in cost accounting, inventory accounting, or operations financeStrong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory controlsExperience supporting multiple business units or P&LsAbility to effectively partner with operations and communicate financial information clearlyPrior experience leading or supervising staffPreferredExperience with Oracle EBS or similar ERP systemExperience in both manufacturing and distribution environmentsExposure to union labor environments and labor cost modelingKey CompetenciesStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to translate financial data into operational insightsProactive, ownership-oriented mindsetEffective communication with both finance and non-finance stakeholdersLeadership and team development capabilitiesWhat Success Looks LikeInventory is accurate, controlled, and consistently well-managedCost variances are clearly identified, explained, and proactively addressedOperations views finance as a trusted partner in decision-makingBilling processes are efficient, accurate, and scalableLeadership receives clear, concise, and actionable financial reportingThe role demonstrates strong ownership and continuous improvementBenefits & Perks – What’s In It For You*Hussmann is committed to supporting your total wellbeing through a wide variety of benefits and wellness programs to support your physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health. Here’s what you can expect:Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.Hussmann Retirement Savings & Investment Plan – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.Paid Time-Off Benefits – Paid time off, stewardship and parental leave. Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, and tobacco cessation.*Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following their start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status.About HussmannFor over a century, Hussmann Corporation has been a global leader in commercial refrigeration equipment — delivering solutions that meet the demands of the modern food retailing industry. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, Hussmann offers a diverse range of products and connected solutions designed to enhance operational efficiency, optimize visibility of merchandise, and keep food fresh. With a nationwide network of skilled technicians, Hussmann goes beyond manufacturing — a trusted partner, relentlessly driving customer success. For more information about Hussmann, please visit . Hussmann is a subsidiary of Panasonic USA. Hussmann is proudly committed to creating an inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to veteran status, disability, age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, genetics, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.#LI-MC1 REQ-154984