Senior Cost Accountant
Job Summary
The Senior Cost Accountant plays a key role in managing and analyzing financial data related to costs, inventory, and profitability. This position is responsible for overseeing cost accounting systems, leading cost analysis efforts, and providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making. The role also involves ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Accounting and Analysis
- Analyze manufacturing and production costs, including labor, material, and overhead expenses.
- Prepare cost forecasts and budgets to assist with financial planning.
- Develop standard cost models and update cost records regularly.
- Oversee and maintain cost accounting systems, including standard cost updates and variance analysis.
- Conduct detailed cost analysis to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
- Prepare reports on production costs, inventory valuation, and profitability.
Inventory and Manufacturing Support
- Monitor and reconcile inventory transactions and valuations to ensure accuracy.
- Lead physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and reconciliation processes.
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to analyze production efficiency and reduce waste.
Financial Planning and Reporting
- Support monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes with cost-related insights and reconciliations.
- Prepare detailed financial reports for senior management, including recommendations for cost optimization.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to assess the financial impact of business decisions.
Process Improvement and Compliance
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance cost accounting accuracy and efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS) and internal controls.
- Prepare documentation and provide support for internal and external audits.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Required Experience
- 5+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing, production, or a related industry.
- Proven experience in handling complex cost accounting processes and analyses.
- 5+ years using cost accounting software and advanced Excel skills required.
- 3+ years of experience working for a manufacturing company, with a strong understanding of manufacturing processes required.
- 3+ years of direct experience in inventory management /processes
Skills
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable recommendations, required.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills for conveying financial insights to non-financial stakeholders, required.
- Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills, required.
- Advanced proficiency in cost accounting software, ERP systems (Microsoft Dynamics preferred), and Microsoft Excel, required.
- Solid understanding of inventory management and manufacturing processes, required.
- CPA, CMA, or similar certification, strongly preferred
- Experience with cost management tools, lean manufacturing or cost optimization projects, preferred.
- Knowledge and experience with standard cost methodologies, preferred.
- Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, preferred.
Certifications
- CPA, CMA, or similar certification is strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements
While performing this job's duties, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to type, write, drive, or use tools; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and move 15 to 25 pounds. The employee must demonstrate the ability to meet these physical demands within their 60-day probationary period.
Work Environment
The noise level in the work environment is usually low. Typical work environment: office setting with controlled climate and little to no risk of exposure to environmental hazards with occasional exposure to a typical manufacturing environment that requires the use of personal protective equipment such as steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
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