Cost Accountant Manager
Job Description:
Position Summary
The Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing all cost accounting functions for the manufacturing operations. This role ensures accurate product costing, inventory valuation, margin analysis, and financial reporting while supporting operational decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Accounting & Analysis
Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and overhead
Perform variance analysis (material, labor, overhead) report and explain drivers to management
Support pricing decisions through detailed cost and margin analysis
Inventory & Manufacturing Accounting
Oversee inventory valuation, including WIP, raw materials, and finished goods
Ensure accurate inventory costing and reconciliation between sub-ledgers and the general ledger
Monitor inventory reserves, obsolescence, and slow-moving inventory
Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs
Financial Reporting & Controls
Prepare cost-related journal entries and monthly account reconciliations
Support month-end and year-end close processes
Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company accounting policies
Assist with internal and external audits related to inventory and manufacturing costs
Budgeting & Forecasting
Lead manufacturing cost budgeting and forecasting processes
Partner with operations to develop labor, overhead, and capital expenditure forecasts
Track actual results against budget and provide variance explanations
Systems & Process Improvement
Maintain and enhance cost accounting systems within ERP and manufacturing systems
Improve costing methodologies and reporting accuracy
Lead or support ERP implementations, upgrades, or system enhancements
Leadership & Collaboration
Manage and mentor cost accounting staff
Collaborate with operations, supply chain, engineering, production, and IT teams
Serve as a financial partner to business unit financial leader
Qualifications
Education & Certification
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required)
CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification (preferred)
Experience
5-8+ years of accounting experience, including cost accounting in a manufacturing environment
Prior supervisory or management experience preferred
Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of GAAP and manufacturing accounting practices
Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar)
Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling
Soft Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities
Ability to partner cross-functionally and influence decision-making
High attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines
Travel
Travel up to 50% as required
Company Benefits:
• 2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up
Medical Plans
• Prescription (Rx) Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's)
• Health Care FSA
• Dependent Care FSA
• Company Paid Base Life Insurance
• Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Company Paid Disability Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Vacation and Personal/Sick Time
• Paid Grandparent Leave
• Paid Bonding Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement)
About Wastequip
Wastequip got its start in 1989 with containers and compactors. But, today, we have evolved into so much more than just a manufacturer of high-quality steel containers and compactors. We are the waste industry's only All-in-One solutions provider - from carts and containers to collect waste to hoists and trash trucks to move the waste to parts, service and technology to keep your operation running smoothly.
While we're proud to be North America's leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, we are equally proud to be a driving force for enhanced sustainability across the waste industry. We are consistently striving to improve our own operations while making it easier for our customers to do the right thing - building a brighter future for all.
Apply tot his job
Apply To this Job
Position Summary
The Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing all cost accounting functions for the manufacturing operations. This role ensures accurate product costing, inventory valuation, margin analysis, and financial reporting while supporting operational decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Accounting & Analysis
Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and overhead
Perform variance analysis (material, labor, overhead) report and explain drivers to management
Support pricing decisions through detailed cost and margin analysis
Inventory & Manufacturing Accounting
Oversee inventory valuation, including WIP, raw materials, and finished goods
Ensure accurate inventory costing and reconciliation between sub-ledgers and the general ledger
Monitor inventory reserves, obsolescence, and slow-moving inventory
Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs
Financial Reporting & Controls
Prepare cost-related journal entries and monthly account reconciliations
Support month-end and year-end close processes
Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company accounting policies
Assist with internal and external audits related to inventory and manufacturing costs
Budgeting & Forecasting
Lead manufacturing cost budgeting and forecasting processes
Partner with operations to develop labor, overhead, and capital expenditure forecasts
Track actual results against budget and provide variance explanations
Systems & Process Improvement
Maintain and enhance cost accounting systems within ERP and manufacturing systems
Improve costing methodologies and reporting accuracy
Lead or support ERP implementations, upgrades, or system enhancements
Leadership & Collaboration
Manage and mentor cost accounting staff
Collaborate with operations, supply chain, engineering, production, and IT teams
Serve as a financial partner to business unit financial leader
Qualifications
Education & Certification
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required)
CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification (preferred)
Experience
5-8+ years of accounting experience, including cost accounting in a manufacturing environment
Prior supervisory or management experience preferred
Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting
Technical Skills
Strong knowledge of GAAP and manufacturing accounting practices
Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar)
Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling
Soft Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and presentation abilities
Ability to partner cross-functionally and influence decision-making
High attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines
Travel
Travel up to 50% as required
Company Benefits:
• 2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up
Medical Plans
• Prescription (Rx) Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• 2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's)
• Health Care FSA
• Dependent Care FSA
• Company Paid Base Life Insurance
• Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Company Paid Disability Insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Vacation and Personal/Sick Time
• Paid Grandparent Leave
• Paid Bonding Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement)
About Wastequip
Wastequip got its start in 1989 with containers and compactors. But, today, we have evolved into so much more than just a manufacturer of high-quality steel containers and compactors. We are the waste industry's only All-in-One solutions provider - from carts and containers to collect waste to hoists and trash trucks to move the waste to parts, service and technology to keep your operation running smoothly.
While we're proud to be North America's leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, we are equally proud to be a driving force for enhanced sustainability across the waste industry. We are consistently striving to improve our own operations while making it easier for our customers to do the right thing - building a brighter future for all.
Apply tot his job
Apply To this Job