Senior Cost Accounting Analyst

The Senior Cost Accounting Analyst is responsible for ensuring that cost accounting and related financial transactions are accurately recorded, analyzed, and reported in accordance with company accounting policies and GAAP. This role owns key cost accounting activities, including month-end and year-end close, inventory accounting, balance sheet reconciliations, and operational cost analysis.

The Senior Cost Accounting Analyst partners closely with Plant Controllers, Procurement and Sourcing, Industrial Engineering, Plant Management, Operations, and Finance leadership to provide accounting guidance and financial insight on routine and non-routine transactions, product costing, and cross-functional initiatives. The role operates in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, supports audit and budget activities, and communicates cost and inventory insights to management.

Specific Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Product Costing

Support and execute product costing processes within a standard costing environment, including annual cost roll activities and cost updates for new and existing products.

Maintain and update standard costs, bills of material, routings, and overhead rates in coordination with Plant Controllers, Procurement, and Industrial Engineering.

Analyze material, labor, and overhead variances; clearly explain drivers and ensure appropriate accounting treatment.

Prepare recurring and ad hoc journal entries related to standard cost updates, inventory adjustments, manufacturing variances, and cost of goods sold.

Financial Accounting & Close Ownership

Own cost accounting–related month-end and year-end close activities, including journal entries, supporting schedules, and balance sheet reconciliations.

Ensure cost and inventory transactions are properly recorded and aligned with company accounting policies and GAAP.

Investigate, resolve, and communicate variances and reconciling items in a timely manner.

Support annual budget and forecast preparation from a cost accounting perspective.

Inventory & Intercompany Accounting

Ensure accurate inventory accounting, including valuation, cutoff, and reconciliation of inventory balances.

Coordinate and support physical inventory counts and cycle counts; analyze and resolve discrepancies.

Review inventory reserves, excess and obsolete inventory analyses, and intercompany inventory transactions for accuracy and compliance.

Cross-Functional Partnership & Operational Support

Partner with Plant Management, Procurement, Sourcing, and Industrial Engineering to ensure transactional accuracy and effective cost management.

Provide financial insights to support operational decisions, cost initiatives, and new product introductions.

Collaborate on cross-functional projects focused on cost improvement, efficiency, and process standardization.

Compliance, Controls & Audit

Maintain strong internal controls over cost accounting and inventory processes.

Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation; serve as a key contact for internal and external audits.

Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements.

Advisory Support & Business Partnership   

Provide accounting guidance and recommendations on complex, non-routine, or upcoming transactions to ensure appropriate cost treatment and compliance with accounting standards.

Evaluate the accounting impact of operational changes, sourcing decisions, and new product introductions in partnership with cross-functional teams.

Provide accounting insight to support cross-functional initiatives that drive cost transparency, efficiency, and process improvement.

Job Qualification Requirements

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Experience:

3-6 years of experience in cost accounting, preferably in a manufacturing or similar environment.

Skills and Competencies:

Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles and practices.

Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Strong attention to detail and organizational abilities.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Certifications (Preferred):

CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification is a plus.

Physical Demand Requirement

Occasionally required to stand, walk or sit; use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; use fingers to touch, pick or pinch objects; reach with hands and arms; push or pull; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; use foot or leg controls; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds. For all jobs no one should lift over 50lbs on their own. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.