Sr Cost Accountant

Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and Repair & Remodel (R&R) markets. Our market-leading portfolio includes vinyl windows, vinyl siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, metal wall systems, and metal accessories. With a broad, multi-channel distribution platform, our expansive national footprint includes more than 18,800 team members at manufacturing, distribution, and office locations throughout North America.

About the role

The Senior Cost Accountant provides accounting support to our US Apertures manufacturing plants. This role plays a key part in the finance department, offering expertise and leadership in accounting and financial functions. With a strong background in accounting principles and manufacturing industry experience, you will ensure accurate inventory accounting, financial reporting, and analysis while collaborating with cross-functional teams to support business decisions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead.
• Calculate and monitor product costs, manufacturing variances, and profitability by product line.
• Perform monthly cost rollups and standard cost updates; monitor and explain variances.
• Analyze cost trends and recommend actions to improve margins and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Manage inventory accounting processes, including valuation, reserves, and reconciliation.
• Ensure accurate accounting for raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventory.
• Assist with physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies and inventory-related variances.
• Analyze production efficiency (MPO), labor utilization, scrap, waste, yield, and overhead absorption.
• Prepare and review manufacturing KPIs and operational performance metrics.
• Partner with plant management to identify and monitor cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
• Support month-end close activities related to inventory, cost of sales, and manufacturing operations.
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Analyze and explain manufacturing variances, including:
  • Material price and usage variances
  • Labor rate and efficiency variances
  • Overhead spending and volume variances
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
• Support the preparation of financial data for audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Support annual operating budgets and periodic forecasts for manufacturing operations.
• Develop production cost forecasts and spending plans.
• Monitor actual results against budget and explain significant variances.
• Serve as a key finance resource for ERP systems related to inventory and costing.
• Improve costing methodologies, reporting tools, and financial processes.
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, and automation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of accounting experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and lead a project team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA) is a plus but not mandatory.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products.

Pay

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $80,000–$100,000, plus bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits starting on day 1.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Life insurance, long-term disability (LTD), and short-term disability (STD).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Discount programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Training and professional development opportunities.

Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week. Union programs may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement.