Cost Accountant

TriMas Packaging; Auburn (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

TriMas Packaging is looking for a Cost Accountant to join our team in Auburn, IN. In this on-site role, you will maintain the manufacturing costing system for multiple facilities and ensure accurate costing data. This includes analyzing operational and material cost data, preparing reports for decision support, and developing budgets. Strong Excel skills and effective communication are essential for success in this role.

Alongside cost analysis, you will collaborate with operations for cost-reduction initiatives and track key performance indicators. A BS in accounting or finance is required, alongside 3+ years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of related experience in cost accounting.
• Ability to manipulate data effectively using Excel.
• Strong attention to detail with well-organized work habits.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the standard cost system and ensure accuracy.
• Analyze cost data and prepare variance reports.
• Support productivity and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Education

BS in accounting or finance

Tools

BI or similar report writing tool

Job description

The Cost Accountant maintains the manufacturing costing system for up to four manufacturing facilities and is responsible for ensuring that costing data is complete, accurate, and timely. In this role, you will partner with operations and engineering personnel to identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities and provide business leadership with cost analysis to support decision making. The Cost Accountant plays a central role not only in tracking costs but also in facilitating discussions across all manufacturing disciplines.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain the standard cost system, including rates, throughputs, bill of materials, and absorption testing.
• Analyze operational, material, labor, and overhead cost data; prepare variance, margin, and profitability reports; and provide decision support related to sales, gross margin, and volume and mix impacts.
• Support inventory accuracy through cycle counts, physical inventory processes, and related reporting.
• Partner with Operations and other functions to improve production cost, inventory performance, and profitability; support and validate productivity and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and manage budgets and forecasts for product costs and inventory, and perform variance analysis to support planning activities.
• Assist with product pricing process.
• Maintain KPIs to track progress to established operating targets.
• Support sales forecasting and SIOP planning with cost and inventory insights.
• Capital asset tracking and summarization.
• Perform account reconciliations.
• Other analytical support as assigned.

Key Working Relationships

General Manager, plant leadership team, and other finance counterparts within the organization.

Key Performance Indicators

• Inventory Accuracy
• Standard Cost Accuracy
• Variance Reporting Timeliness and Accuracy

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Office based role.
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time.

This role is required to be on-site 5 days at the Auburn, IN location.

Qualifications and Skills

• BS in accounting or finance.
• 3+ Years related experience.
• High level of skill using Excel to manipulate data and provide useful analysis.
• Good communication skills, ability to work effectively with others.
• Accuracy, attention to detail, well organized, ability to meet deadlines.

Preferred

• Experience with BI or similar report writing tool.
• CPA or CMA.