Cost Accountant: Margin & Cost Optimization Analyst

Description<br />The Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting on product, project, and operational costs to support informed financial decision-making. This role combines core accounting functions—such as cost tracking, variance analysis, and financial reporting—with financial analysis skills, including forecasting, budgeting, and data-driven performance evaluation. The Cost Accountant partners closely with operations, finance, and management to improve cost efficiency, profitability, and financial controls.<br /><br />Key Responsibilities<br />Cost Accounting &amp; Financial Reporting<br /><br />Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, overhead, and production processes.<br /><br />Prepare and review cost accounting records, journal entries, and reconciliations in accordance with GAAP.<br /><br />Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual cost-related activities, including inventory valuation and cost roll‑ups, daily labor edits and daily job closings.<br /><br />Analyze cost variances (price, usage, volume, and efficiency) and communicate drivers to management.<br /><br />Financial Analysis &amp; Decision Support<br /><br />Analyze cost structures and profitability by product, customer, project, or business unit.<br /><br />Support budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning processes with cost and margin insights.<br /><br />Develop financial models to evaluate pricing strategies, capital investments, make‑or‑buy decisions, and process improvements.<br /><br />Provide actionable recommendations to improve margin, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.<br /><br />Operational &amp; Cross‑Functional Support<br /><br />Partner with operations, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to understand cost drivers and improve cost controls.<br /><br />Support new product introductions by estimating costs, margins, and break‑even points.<br /><br />Monitor daily inventory levels, monthly cycle counts, slow‑moving or obsolete inventory, and related reserves.<br /><br />Assist in developing and maintaining internal controls related to cost accounting, inventory, and fixed asset reconciliation.<br /><br />Complete other ad‑hoc analysis as needed.<br /><br />Data, Systems &amp; Process Improvement<br /><br />Maintain and enhance cost accounting systems, including ERP and reporting tools.<br /><br />Prepare dashboards and management reports, summarizing cost, margin, and performance trends.<br /><br />Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve data accuracy, and enhance reporting efficiency.<br /><br />Support internal and external audits by providing cost‑related analyses and documentation.<br /><br />Requirements<br />Education &amp; Experience<br /><br />Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance,<br /><br />3–7 years of experience in cost accounting, financial analysis, or a manufacturing/operations finance role.<br /><br />CPA, CMA, or progress toward certification preferred.<br /><br />Technical Skills<br /><br />Strong knowledge of cost accounting methods (standard costing, absorption costing, variance analysis).<br /><br />Solid understanding of financial statements, budgeting, and forecasting.<br /><br />Advanced Excel skills; experience with ERP systems (e.g., Epicor, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) preferred. Knowledge of SQL queries and Power BI preferred.<br /><br />Experience analyzing large data sets and translating findings into business insights.<br /><br />Analytical &amp; Interpersonal Skills<br /><br />Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with attention to detail.<br /><br />Ability to clearly communicate financial information to non‑finance stakeholders.<br /><br />Comfortable working cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced environment.<br /><br />Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and value creation.<br /><br />What Success Looks Like in This Role<br /><br />Accurate and timely cost reporting and variance analysis.<br /><br />Clear, actionable insights that help management improve margins and control costs.<br /><br />Strong partnership with operations and leadership to support strategic decisions.<br /><br />Improved cost visibility, forecasting accuracy, and process efficiency over time.<br /><br />#J-18808-Ljbffr