Cost Accountant

SUMMARY

The Cost Accounting Manager supports the organization’s financial operations by analyzing costs, managing inventory, and assisting with month-end close. The role maintains capital project and fixed asset records, oversees sales tax reporting and vehicle registration compliance, and helps implement operational improvements such as job order clocking. Additionally, the position provides backup support for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable while assisting with various financial projects as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee and maintain standard costs, including labor and overhead rate calculations
• Perform and review cost roll-ups, variance analysis, and job costing accuracy
• Monitor cost allocation, budget adherence, and cost control processes
• Partner with production and operations teams to ensure accurate job costing and reporting
• Support month-end close activities, including journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations
• Analyze cost variances and ensure accurate financial reporting
• Maintain capital project and fixed asset records, including depreciation and asset classification
• Prepare and file monthly and quarterly sales tax returns and maintain exemption certificates
• Manage vehicle registration, titling, renewal, and fleet compliance requirements
• Support audits, financial reviews, forecasts, and budgeting activities
• Provide backup support for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions
• Support finance initiatives, ad-hoc analysis, and operational improvement projects
• Maintain clear communication with management regarding status, risks, and issues

KNOWLEDGE

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Standard and manufacturing cost accounting principles
• Job costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis methodologies
• Capital asset and fixed asset accounting practices
• Sales tax compliance and regulatory requirements
• ERP systems in manufacturing environments (such as M2M or JobBOSS2)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel functions and data analysis tools

 

COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to analyze large datasets and identify trends
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with production and finance teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Proactive, continuous-improvement mindset

 

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Minimum of three (3) years of cost accounting and/or manufacturing accounting experience
• Experience working with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment
• Advanced Excel proficiency required

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office-based position with periodic work in production or warehouse areas
• Ability to sit and/or stand for 7–9 hours per day
• Ability to perform computer-based tasks for extended periods
• Ability to bend, stoop, and perform light physical activity for 3–5 hours as needed
• Participation in inventory counts, including standing, walking, lifting, and moving materials
• Occasional lifting of items up to 25 pounds
• Potential exposure to noise, temperature fluctuations, and moving machinery

 

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• If a Security Clearance is required:
  • Candidates "must/may need" to be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
  • Successful candidates must be able to secure Program Access approval