Cost Accountant

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for day-to-day planning, implementing, managing, and controlling of all financial related activity of a MPP powdered metal manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for maintaining the standard cost system, analyzing production variances and ensuring accurate cost reporting across all phases of the manufacturing process. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with standard costing in a discrete or process manufacturing environment and thrives in a plant-floor-adjacent role where finance and operations work closely together.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Standard Costing & Variance Analysis
   1. Maintain and update the standard cost system for raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead across all product families
   2. Analyze and report purchase price variances (PPV), labor variances, and manufacturing overhead variances on a period basis
   3. Investigate and explain over/under-absorption of manufacturing overhead, partnering with operations to identify root causes
   4. Support annual standard cost rollups, including updates to labor routings, BOM costs, and overhead rates
2. Month-End Close & Reporting
   1. Prepare and post journal entries related to inventory, WIP, cost of goods sold, and production activity
   2. Reconcile inventory accounts and sub-ledgers to the general ledger; investigate and resolve discrepancies
   3. Generate and distribute monthly manufacturing cost reports including COGS analysis, variance summaries, and overhead spending vs. budget
   4. Support preparation of monthly financial statements and management reporting packages
3. Inventory & Production Accounting
   1. Monitor and account for raw material, WIP, and finished goods inventory movements within the ERP system
   2. Perform periodic physical inventory counts and cycle count reconciliations; investigate count variances
   3. Ensure accurate costing of scrap, rework, and yield loss; track trends and escalate anomalies to operations
   4. Coordinate with supply chain and purchasing on commodity pricing updates (e.g., iron, copper, bronze powder inputs) and their impact on standard costs
   5. Lead and coordinate physical inventory counts and cycle count programs, including count scheduling, tag control, variance investigation and reconciliation to the general ledger
4. Financial Planning & Analysis Support
   1. Assist in the development of annual manufacturing overhead budgets and labor cost forecasts
   2. Provide ad hoc cost modeling and scenario analysis to support capital investment decisions, make-vs.-buy evaluations, and new product quoting
   3. Track actual vs. budget performance for plant overhead cost centers and partner with department managers on cost control initiatives
5. Internal Controls & Compliance
   1. Ensure compliance with internal controls related to inventory valuation, cost capitalization, and expense recognition
   2. Support internal and external audit requests with timely and accurate documentation of cost accounting processes
   3. Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and controls within the cost accounting function
6. Assure adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Policies (GAAP)
7. Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or management

SKILLS EXECUTED:

• Manufacturing cost accounting & variance analysis
• Budgeting, forecasting & KPI reporting
• COGS, labor & overhead cost analysis
• ERP financial reporting & data integrity management
• Internal controls & GAAP compliance
• Capital expenditure analysis & cost savings initiatives

EDUCATION:

• Requires Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Accounting, Finance or related discipline. MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• 5+ years of Accounting or related experience required, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in ERP systems and a firm command of GAAP.
• Must be proficient at an expert level in Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Frequent walking, standing, and sitting in office environment.
• Occasionally lift and move materials or equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Occasional bending, squatting, reaching, and twisting may be required.
• Non-standard/off-shift hours may be necessary for project support.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:

• Comply with all company safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in safety training, risk assessments, and hazard identification.
• Utilize PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and other gear as needed.
• Report unsafe conditions or practices promptly.
• Promote a safe and clean working environment.