What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Cost Accountant position at Upside Search?
We’re partnering with a global, manufacturing-focused organization in the Dayton/Huber Heights area to hire a Principal Cost Accountant to support U.S.-based manufacturing operations. This is a high-impact, hands-on role for someone who enjoys being close to the plant, partnering with operations, and using data to drive better decisions.
About the Role
This position is an individual contributor role reporting directly to senior finance leadership and serves as a key business partner to manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, logistics, and operations teams. You’ll own core cost accounting activities while also helping identify opportunities for efficiency, optimization, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and update standard costs and cost rolls
- Analyze manufacturing variances (PPV, POV, absorption) and gross margin drivers
- Support annual budgets and forecasts for manufacturing and engineering
- Partner with operations leadership to drive cost optimization and performance improvement
- Prepare journal entries, support month-end close, and review balance sheets
- Leverage SAP (S/4HANA) data and reporting; support ongoing system enhancements
- Utilize data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) to deliver insights and recommendations
- Model capital investments and track cost savings initiatives
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 5–8 years of experience in cost accounting or manufacturing finance
- Strong background in standard costing within a manufacturing environment
- Hands-on experience with SAP (S/4HANA strongly preferred)
- Power BI or advanced data analytics experience
- Experience analyzing and explaining manufacturing variances to non-finance partners
- Proactive, inquisitive mindset - someone who takes initiative and leads improvements
- Comfortable working onsite, 5 days per week in a manufacturing environment
Nice to Have
- MBA, CPA, or CMA
- Exposure to global or multi-site manufacturing operations
Why This Role
This is a great opportunity to step into a visible, trusted finance role with real ownership, strong leadership support, and the chance to make a tangible impact on manufacturing performance. Ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, improving processes, and being a true finance partner to the business.
Salary : $125,000 - $135,000