Cost Accounting Manager

Our Client is hiring a Cost Accounting Manager to join their fast growing Finance team!

In this critical role, the Cost Accounting Manager will help drive financial health and operational efficiency at the Company. This position leads all aspects of cost accounting, with a focus on accurately accumulating, analyzing, and reporting product and inventory costs, including variance analysis. As a strategic partner to the supply chain, operations, and logistics teams, the Cost Accounting Manager delivers financial insights, ensures compliance with company policies and U.S. GAAP, and identifies opportunities for cost and process improvements. The role also involves collaboration with international business units to align cost accounting practices globally. Success in this role requires strong analytical skills, advanced systems knowledge (SAP/Vistex), attention to detail, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

Costing Policy & Compliance

• Develop and maintain cost accounting policies aligned with company accounting standards and internal controls to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Ensure cost accounting practices comply with U.S. GAAP and internal control standards.
• Monitor and update procedures to reflect changes in operations, systems, or regulatory requirements.

Cost Analysis & Reporting

• Accumulate, analyze, and report on product costs and variances, delivering insights that support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Prepare and maintain inventory costing models; update standard cost rates and perform profitability and variance analysis (e.g., PPV, absorption).
• Regularly generate and present detailed reports on product costs, variances, and margins to senior management.

Inventory Accuracy & System Integrity

• Oversee inventory accuracy initiatives, including the cycle count program, physical inventory counts, time studies, and reconciliations.
• Ensure accuracy of cost and inventory data within SAP; validate purchase order data and costing entries.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for SAP and partner with operations and project teams to identify and implement system and process enhancements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Process Improvement

• Provide financial expertise and guidance to supply chain, logistics, and operations teams.
• Lead the manufacturing budget process and support issue resolution for designated sites.
• Identify and implement process improvements related to cost tracking, reporting, and ERP system utilization (e.g., SAP, Incorta).
• Support internal and external audits and deliver training on cost accounting policies and product cost drivers.

Expected Skills and Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive cost accounting experience in manufacturing, distribution, or a related environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; CPA preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• In-depth knowledge of cost accounting, inventory valuation, and U.S. GAAP.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex financial information.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel; experience working in a Windows environment.
• Advanced proficiency in SAP (preferably SAP S/4HANA) and Vistex strongly preferred. Experience working with large and complex data sets.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications: 

• Experience with business intelligence tools such as Incorta or similar platforms.
• Background in global operations or multinational environments.
• Prior experience training others on cost accounting concepts or systems.

Travel: 

• Ability to travel up to 25%.

Pre-Employment Requirement: 

• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen and background check. This requirement is especially critical for safety-sensitive roles.