What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Cost Accountant position at PeerSource?
PeerSource is currently recruiting for a Senior Cost Accountant on a Direct Hire basis. This role is based out of Cresco, IA.
Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented Senior Cost Accountant to provide accurate costing, financial analysis, and operational insights that drive strategic decisions across trailer manufacturing operations. This role will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Operations, Finance, Engineering, and Procurement to ensure cost integrity, analyze variances, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate has strong experience in manufacturing cost accounting and is highly analytical with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Responsibilities
- Maintain and update standard product costs including materials, labor, and overhead.
- Analyze manufacturing variances such as material usage, labor efficiency, and overhead absorption, providing actionable insights.
- Prepare cost roll-ups, margin analyses, and cost impact assessments for both new and existing products.
- Conduct weekly reconciliations for WIP, inventory valuation, and COGS.
- Support budgeting and forecasting processes related to cost modeling, inventory trends, and overhead allocations.
- Lead physical inventory counts and oversee cycle count reviews.
- Investigate discrepancies in materials, production orders, and finished goods, ensuring resolution and accuracy.
- Collaborate with operations and engineering to improve costing accuracy and enhance ERP workflows.
- Present cost reports and variance analyses to senior leadership while ensuring compliance with accounting standards and audit requirements.
Required Skills
- 3 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency in standard costing, BOM structures, and inventory accounting.
- Advanced Excel skills and prior experience working with ERP systems required (manufacturing ERPs preferred).
- Strong analytical mindset with high attention to detail.
- Ability to explain complex financial data to cross-functional teams.
- Experience in multi-site or complex manufacturing environments.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Exposure to lean manufacturing, process improvements, or cost optimization initiatives is preferred.
H1 sponsorship is not available.
PeerSource is a nationwide technology recruiting firm that prioritizes building strong relationships with the talented professionals we are fortunate to serve. We offer contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire opportunities throughout the US and support W2 as well as independent consultants working on a Corp-to-Corp basis. W2 benefits with PeerSource include health, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as a matching retirement plan. Contact us for more details!