Cost Accountant

About the role

The Cost Accountant plays a key role in supporting plant operations and financial management through the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of operational and financial performance metrics. This position partners closely with plant leadership to provide timely reporting and insights related to manufacturing operations, inventory, labor, productivity, and cost performance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly operational and financial reports for plant and senior leadership.
• Monitor and report key manufacturing performance metrics, including production efficiency, labor utilization, scrap, yield, throughput, and inventory levels.
• Utilize ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel tools to automate reporting, improve analyses, and increase operational visibility.
• Analyze manufacturing variances, including material, labor, and overhead costs, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Partner with operations leadership to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Develop and maintain reporting tools, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to support operational decision-making.
• Aid with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and annual operating plan development.
• Perform inventory analysis and reconciliations to ensure inventory accuracy and proper valuation.
• Participate in physical inventory counts, cycle count reviews, and inventory control initiatives.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing analyses, schedules, and requested documentation.
• Assist with continuous improvement initiatives related to reporting processes, internal controls, and operational visibility.
• Support product costing activities, work order analysis, and new product cost estimates.
• Maintain regular, full-time, predictable onsite attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 2–6 years of accounting, financial analysis, or cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, manufacturing operations, variance analysis, and inventory accounting.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, XLOOKUPs, data analysis, and report development.
• Experience working with ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Able to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• CPA or CMA certification, or progress toward certification, is a plus.
• Experience developing manufacturing reports and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Experience with standard costing and manufacturing variance analysis.
• Experience in the steel, tube, pipe, or broader manufacturing industry.
• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and inventory control processes.

Skills

• Microsoft Excel proficiency.
• ERP system experience (SAP preferred).
• Financial analysis and reporting.
• Variance analysis.
• Inventory management.
• Manufacturing operations.

Benefits

Zekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. Additional benefits include:

• Tuition assistance program
• Bonus plan
• 401(k) plan with a generous company match