Cost Accountant Team Leader

Institute of Management Accountants, Inc.; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,400,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute of Management Accountants, Inc. in Chennai is seeking a dedicated Cost Accountant Team Leader to oversee a small team and manage cost accounting functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

The role emphasizes standard costing, inventory valuation, variance analysis, and month-end close, with a focus on process improvements and strong collaboration with Operations, Procurement, and Finance teams across global locations.

Qualifications

• Qualified CMA with strong leadership and cost accounting background.
• 8+ years of experience in Cost Accounting / Manufacturing Finance.
• Strong expertise in Manufacturing Costing, Standard Costing, Inventory Valuation and Variance Analysis.
• Hands-on experience with SAP in a manufacturing/SSO environment.
• Proven track record leading and developing a team across global stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 3-4 Cost Accountants.
• Oversee standard costing, inventory valuation, cost rollups and month-end close activities.
• Analyze material, labour, overhead and purchase price variances.
• Drive cost accounting processes, standardization and continuous process improvements.
• Partner with Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain and Finance teams globally.
• Ensure accurate and timely cost accounting and financial reporting.
• Support internal controls, audit requirements and compliance with accounting policies.
• Drive transition and process improvement initiatives within the finance function.
• Provide guidance and development support to team members.
• Work effectively with global stakeholders in a GBS/GCC or shared services environment.

Skills

Leadership

Cost accounting

Standard costing

Variance analysis

SAP

Team management

Manufacturing finance

Education

CMA

Tools

SAP

Job description

Cost Accountant Team Leader

• Designation: Cost Accountant Team Leader
• Location: 6th Floor, KRM Towers, Chetpet, Chennai
• Employment Type: Permanent / Full-Time
• Work Mode: Work From Office
• Experience: 8+ Years
• Qualification: Qualified CMA
• Working Days: 5 Days
• Shift: Flexible for US Shift
• Interview Mode: Virtual

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 3-4 Cost Accountants.
• Oversee standard costing, inventory valuation, cost rollups and month-end close activities.
• Analyze material, labour, overhead and purchase price variances.
• Drive cost accounting processes, standardization and continuous process improvements.
• Partner with Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain and Finance teams globally.
• Ensure accurate and timely cost accounting and financial reporting.
• Support internal controls, audit requirements and compliance with accounting policies.
• Drive transition and process improvement initiatives within the finance function.
• Provide guidance and development support to team members.
• Work effectively with global stakeholders in a GBS/GCC or shared services environment.

Mandatory Requirements

• Qualified CMA.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in Cost Accounting / Manufacturing Finance.
• Strong experience in Manufacturing Costing, Standard Costing, Inventory Valuation and Variance Analysis.
• Hands-on experience with SAP.
• Proven team management and leadership experience.
• Experience working with Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Finance stakeholders.
• Exposure to global operations, preferably within an MNC, GBS, GCC or Shared Services environment.

Preferred Skills

Cost Accounting | Manufacturing Finance | Standard Costing | Inventory Accounting | Inventory Valuation | Variance Analysis | Cost Rollups | Month-End Close | Financial Controls | SAP | Advanced Excel

Key Stakeholder Interaction

The role requires regular interaction with global Finance, Manufacturing, Operations, Procurement and Supply Chain teams, along with internal and external stakeholders.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate should have strong technical expertise in cost accounting, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and demonstrated experience in leading teams. Candidates with experience in MNCs and GBS/GCC/shared services environments will be preferred.