Cost Accountant (Contract)
The Cost Accountant will join a lean finance and operations team of a growing manufacturer. The role’s primary objective is to ensure accuracy of product costing, manage inventory cost flows, analyze cost variances, support quarter-end/month-end close, and drive cost control initiatives. Potential conversion to a permanent cost accounting position for the right mix of experience and culture fit.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Accounting & Variance Analysis
- Establish and update standard costs for materials, labor and overhead across products and production lines.
- Analyze manufacturing cost variances: material usage/price, labor efficiency/variance, overhead absorption, scrap/rework.
- Prepare monthly cost reports and variance summaries for plant leadership and finance.
- Support product line profitability review and cost modelling for new products or process changes.
- Perform monthly reconciliation of raw materials, WIP and finished goods: ERP vs GL, inventory valuation, obsolescence/scrap reserves.
- Coordinate physical inventory/cycle count procedures and follow-up on discrepancies.
- Work with operations/engineering to identify waste, process inefficiencies, cost reduction opportunities.
- Assist with annual budget preparation and quarterly cost forecasting for manufacturing operations.
- Provide cost-impact analysis of process improvements, capital projects, design changes or new product introductions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally (Operations, Procurement, Engineering) to drive continuous cost improvement and lean accounting practices.
- Ensure cost accounting policies, standard costing and inventory valuations align with company standards (GAAP or internal).
- Maintain documentation and support for internal/external audits relating to cost/inventory.
- Participate in finance/operational systems improvement (ERP cost modules, dashboards, Power BI/Excel automation).
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field. CPA, CMA, or pursuing certification is a plus.
- Minimum 2 years of cost accounting, manufacturing finance or plant accounting experience. Experience with a high‐volume manufacturing plant is preferred.
- Experience with Sage 500 or MAS 500 ERP systems required.
- Intermediate-to-advanced MS Excel proficiency required.
- Experience with BOMs, work‐orders, routers, cost-rollups.
- Excellent analytical skills, detail-oriented, with the ability to explain cost variances and partner with operations.
- Ability to work in a fast‐paced manufacturing environment during contract period and proactively transition to a permanent mindset.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills: will work across finance, operations, procurement, engineering.
Recommended Jobs
Registered Nurse
Job Description Registered Nurse Career Opportunity - $10,000 Sign-On Bonus Available for FT. Encompass Health: Where Nursing Meets Heart, Home, and Healing Are you seeking a nursing car…
Lease Operator I
JOB DESCRIPTION Are you looking for a long-term career opportunity with a reliable company? Come join Wood as a Lease Operator in Gillette Wyoming, working on our project along the Powder River Ba…
Remote Recruiter - No Experience Needed
Remote Recruiter - No Experience Needed Location: Remote (Worldwide) Type: Freelance / Work Your Own Way Overview: RecXchange is a global platform where anyone can earn money by helpin…
HR Generalist - East Lansing Area
HR Generalist | East Lansing, MI Salary Range: $57,000 - $84,000 depending on experience Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for supporting employees and building posit…
LLMSW, LLPC - Therapist/Mental Health Specialist
As the leader of the treatment team, a therapist is responsible for providing clinical assessments, counseling, advocacy, and support services for a diverse caseload including adults, adolescents, an…
Mortgage Customer Service Representative
Please see details for the opening: &##128204; Job Title: Customer Claims Specialist &##128188; Category: Mortgage, Insurance &##128176; Pay Range: 17$/hour &##128205; Location: Office - 70…
Fire Installer
Johnson Controls, a leader in smart building technologies, is seeking a skilled Fire Installer to join our Technical & Maintenance team. This role is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of …
Operations Launch Manager
DP World Contract Logistics delivers tailored, scalable and progressive solutions to customers in more than 100 global locations. The company has managed supply chain synergies for global automotive …
Project Manager - Manistee Area
Project Manager | Manistee, MI Salary Range: $83,000 - $128,000 depending on experience Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for delivering projects on time and leading …