Manufacturing Cost Accounting Manager

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for leading the cost accounting function across the organization’s manufacturing operations. This role ensures accurate cost tracking, inventory valuation, and variance analysis while serving as a strategic partner to operations. The position works closely with finance, plant leadership and shop floor personnel to drive cost efficiency, improve financial visibility, and support operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of cost accounting including standard costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing variance analysis.
• Develop and maintain accurate standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead; ensure costing aligns with actual production processes.
• Collaborate closely with the manufacturing leadership team and plant operators to gather insights, understand production drivers, and improve cost reporting accuracy.
• Monitor and analyze manufacturing cost variances (material usage, labor efficiency, overhead absorption); identify root causes and partner with operations to implement corrective actions.
• Participate in the development of annual budgets and forecasts for manufacturing costs, working cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and finance.
• Lead inventory management processes including physical counts, cycle counts, and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
• Support new product costing and scenario modeling; provide margin and profitability analysis to guide pricing and production decisions.
• Ensure cost accounting practices are in compliance with GAAP and internal control standards.
• Provide timely and insightful reporting (monthly, weekly & daily) to senior finance and operations leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment – required.
• Proven track record of working directly with plant leadership teams and manufacturing operators to understand processes and improve financial outcomes.
• Strong understanding of standard/job cost systems, manufacturing variances, and inventory accounting.
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with manufacturing ERP systems
• Demonstrated ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
• Must be available to work onsite, Monday through Friday (5 days/week).

Preferred Skills

• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Multi-site manufacturing or global operations exposure is a plus.
• Familiarity with cost modeling tools and operational analytics platforms.