Cost Accounting Manager

Zero Motorcycles, Inc.; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Inclusive and open-door culture.

Dynamic, innovative work environment.

Job summary

Zero Motorcycles, Inc. is seeking a Cost Accounting Manager in Amsterdam. This role involves overseeing all cost accounting activities within a global manufacturing environment, ensuring accurate reporting and driving cost control initiatives.

The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in the automotive or manufacturing industry and strong expertise in SAP, with a focus on cost accounting and financial reporting.

The position offers a competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for personal growth in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in cost accounting within the automotive or manufacturing industry.
• Proven experience in a managerial or leadership role.
• Strong experience with SAP, especially CO module and FI/MM preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all cost accounting functions including standard costing and variance analysis.
• Act as key user for SAP inventory accounting.
• Partner with Operations and Engineering to understand cost drivers.

Skills

Cost accounting expertise

SAP proficiency

Analytical skills

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

Tools

SAP S/4Hana

Power BI

Excel

Job description

What to Expect

The Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing all cost accounting activities within a global motorcycling manufacturing and distribution environment. This role ensures accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and financial reporting, while driving cost control initiatives and supporting operational efficiency. The ideal candidate has deep experience in preferably, automotive or related manufacturing and strong expertise in SAP, preferably SAP S/4Hana.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Reporting

• Manage and oversee all cost accounting functions, of which parts are outsourced to a shared service center, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation
• Maintain and update standard costs for finished goods, parts and overhead allocations, within SAP
• Calculate and account for obsolescence and warranty reserves
• Analyze and report production variances (material, labor, overhead) and provide actionable insights
• Ensure accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes related to inventory and cost of goods sold

SAP System Management

• Act as key user for SAP inventory accounting
• Maintain cost centers, profit centers, internal orders, and product costing structures in SAP
• Drive continuous improvements in SAP reporting, costing accuracy, and process efficiency
• Support SAP enhancements, upgrades, and implementation projects

Business Partnering

• Partner with Operations, Logistics and Engineering teams to understand cost drivers and support decision‑making
• Provide financial support for new product launches, engineering changes, and other initiatives
• Develop and monitor KPIs related to manufacturing efficiency, scrap, and productivity

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead COGS‑related budgeting and forecasting processes
• Monitor actual performance against budgets and forecast deviations
• Support long‑term cost planning and strategic initiatives

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and company policies
• Support audits related to inventory and cost accounting
• Maintain accurate documentation and audit trails within SAP

Continuous Improvement

• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and lead cost reduction initiatives
• Optimize costing processes and reporting tools
• Drive best practices in cost transparency and operational finance

Skills and Attributes

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in cost accounting within the automotive or manufacturing industry
• Proven experience in a managerial or leadership role
• Strong experience with SAP (CO module required; FI/MM preferred)

Technical Skills

• Advanced SAP knowledge (product costing, cost center accounting, profitability analysis)
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (BOMs, routings, standard costing)
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills
• Experience with BI tools (e.g., Power BI, SAP BW) is a plus

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑volume production environment
• Strong leadership and team development skills

Key Competencies

• Financial acumen and business insight
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Strategic thinking with hands‑on execution
• Cross‑functional collaboration

Additionally

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Inclusive and open‑door culture with driven, fun colleagues.
• Work in a dynamic, innovative environment leading the EV revolution.