What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Accountant #hiring now position at General Stamping & Metalworks?
The Cost Accountant is responsible for managing and analyzing manufacturing costs to improve profitability and support informed business decisions. This role helps maintain standard costing, monitors cost variances (material, labor, and overhead), and provides timely insights to drive operational and financial performance. The Cost Accountant partners cross-functionally to ensure accurate costing, pricing alignment, and margin improvement.
Organizational Relationships and Authority
Reports directly to the Controller; no direct reports. Collaborates with Finance, Operations, Engineering, IT, and Customer Resource teams.
Cost Accounting & Analysis
•Maintain and analyze standard costs, including material, labor, and overhead rates; investigate and report variances against actuals.
•Prepare and distribute monthly Purchase Price Variance (PPV) reports; identify root causes and work with Procurement to resolve discrepancies.
•Support month-end and year-end close activities related to manufacturing costs.
•Maintain the integrity of the cost accounting system and ensure alignment with GAAP.
Financial Reporting & Forecasting
•Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans for manufacturing and operations.
•Analyze tooling sales profitability and other product-line margins; present findings with actionable recommendations.
•Monitor and report on capital expenditure spending versus budget.
Operational Partnership
•Collaborate with Operations and Engineering teams to evaluate cost-reduction initiatives, process improvements.
•Provide financial support for new product costing and quoting processes.
•Review and analyze inventory valuations, cycle count results, and obsolescence reserves.
•Support pricing decisions through detailed cost and margin analysis.
Systems & Continuous Improvement
•Leverage ERP and AI systems to automate and streamline financial workflows.
•Identify opportunities to improve data accuracy and reporting efficiency; document processes and maintain SOPs.
•Support internal and external audit requests related to manufacturing cost data.
Core Competencies
•Advanced Excel skills (PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP functions).
•Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures and ERP systems.
•Solid analytical and problem-solving ability with high attention to detail.
•Effective communication and presentation skills across all levels of the organization.
General Expectations
•Strong time management and personal accountability.
•Clear, professional communication across departments and teams.
•Consistent professionalism, reliability, and collaborative attitude.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. Minimum 2–4 years of cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience.
Work Environment
Onsite in an office setting with regular interaction on the manufacturing floor.
Salary : $75,000 - $95,000