Senior Cost Accountant

Job Summary

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing, controlling, and reporting on cost structures to support accurate financial reporting and strategic decision-making. This role partners closely with operations, finance, and leadership to improve cost efficiency, ensure inventory accuracy, and maintain strong internal controls.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and report on product, manufacturing, and operational costs
• Develop and maintain standard costs, including labor, materials, and overhead
• Perform variance analysis (material, labor, overhead) and investigate significant deviations
• Prepare monthly cost accounting journal entries and reconciliations
• Oversee inventory valuation, including WIP, raw materials, and finished goods
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Partner with operations and supply chain teams to improve cost controls and margins
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and analysis
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance cost accuracy and efficiency
• Mentor or review work of junior cost accounting staff (if applicable)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in cost accounting, preferably in manufacturing or operations
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and inventory accounting
• Experience with standard costing and variance analysis
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas)
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or MBA
• Experience in multi-site or high-volume manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience with system implementations or process automation