Cost Accounting Lead

Key Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and continuously improve cost analysis frameworks across direct and indirect costs to identify inefficiencies, cost-saving opportunities, and margin improvement opportunities
• Develop and enhance cost reporting and variance analysis, ensuring outputs are accurate, timely, and decision-useful for management
• Audit existing cost structures, data flows, and reporting, identify gaps or inefficiencies, and implement improved processes, methodologies, or controls
• Create and maintain annual standard cost updates, including review of work order settlements and cross-company transactions
• Maintain inventory accuracy and cost of goods manufactured, ensuring integrity of inventory valuation and underlying cost drivers
• Partner with production, operations, supply chain, and finance teams to embed effective cost controls, improve purchasing practices, and support strategic initiatives
• Ensure adherence to US GAAP, internal accounting policies, and industry-specific standards, maintaining strong audit readiness

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Master’s degree and/or CMA strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial environment, with demonstrated ownership of cost processes
• Proven experience designing, implementing, or substantially improving cost accounting and reporting processes, not just operating within them
• Strong proficiency in variance analysis, standard costing, inventory accounting, and cycle count reporting
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex cost drivers and translate them into actionable insights
• Strong systems and tools capability, including advanced MS Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems, such as Epicor
• In-depth understanding of US GAAP and cost accounting principles
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, define the right analytical approach, and drive execution through completion and documentation
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, managing ambiguity, and proactively identifying improvement opportunities

Pay

The annual base salary range for this position is $88,000 to $120,000.