Cost Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a detail-oriented Cost Accountant to join a manufacturing accounting team in Taylor, Michigan. This role supports accurate costing, inventory integrity, and financial reporting while helping leadership better understand production performance. The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical skills with hands-on manufacturing finance experience to improve visibility into cost drivers and business results.

Responsibilities:
• Evaluate production cost trends by reviewing material, labor, overhead, and scrap variances and highlighting meaningful findings.
• Measure actual manufacturing results against established standards and recommend actions that can improve margins and operational efficiency.
• Oversee inventory accounting activities for raw materials, work in process, and finished goods, including reconciliations and audit support.
• Prepare journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations and contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities.
• Work closely with engineering and plant operations to maintain accurate bills of materials, routings, and standard cost data.
• Participate in cycle count programs and physical inventory events, researching discrepancies and resolving inventory-related issues.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen cost accounting workflows, reporting methods, and internal controls within the manufacturing environment.
• Assist with forecasting, fixed asset tracking, tax-related support, and other finance projects as business needs require.
• Share financial analysis and cost performance insights with management and production teams, and provide coverage for broader accounting functions when needed.• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of accounting or finance experience, with preference for experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cost accounting principles, inventory accounting, and manufacturing variance analysis.
• Experience working with ERP platforms; prior exposure to manufacturing systems is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for analysis, reporting, and data review.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with both finance professionals and plant personnel.