What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Accounting Manager position at Harvard Group International?
COST ACCOUNTING MANAGER
ROLE OVERVIEW
This role sits at the center of a recently acquired manufacturing business and is focused on improving how cost is understood, tracked, and reported across the operation. Reporting to the Group Controller, the Cost Accounting Manager will serve as the on-site finance partner and a critical extension of leadership, responsible for ensuring that cost structures accurately reflect operational reality and are properly captured within the company’s ERP system. This is a hands-on role with high visibility and impact, particularly for someone who enjoys stepping into environments where processes are still evolving and wants to play a direct role in building something better.
WHY THIS ROLE
- Real Ownership of Cost: You won’t inherit a perfectly built system—you’ll help define it. This role is about understanding how the business truly operates and ensuring costing reflects that reality.
- Direct Access to Leadership: You will work closely with the Group Controller as a trusted partner and sounding board, not as a layer removed from decision-making.
- Opportunity to Fix, Not Maintain: This is an environment where your ideas and improvements will be implemented—not buried in process.
- Operational Exposure: You’ll work closely with plant leadership and see firsthand how production decisions impact financial outcomes.
- Growth Potential: As the business continues to integrate and evolve, there is a clear path to expanded scope and leadership responsibility.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own and improve cost accounting processes, including inventory valuation and variance analysis
- Partner with operations to understand production drivers and cost behavior
- Identify and resolve gaps between operational activity and financial reporting
- Evaluate and improve ERP (Epicor) usage related to costing
- Support future system alignment initiatives (including Oracle migration planning)
- Act as a key partner to finance leadership on-site
REQUIREMENTS
- 5 years of accounting experience, with strong cost accounting exposure
- Manufacturing or industrial experience required
- ERP experience required
- Ability to work effectively in evolving, post-acquisition environments
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an operational mindset
COMPENSATION
A meaningful compensation package will be developed for the successful candidate that includes a base salary plus performance-based bonus.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter, preferably in MS Word format, to Derek Bush dbush@harvardsearch.com A fully detailed, formal specification will be sent to “top-level”, qualified candidates.