Cost Accountant

Vernet Group; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical plan

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Flexible Fridays Off

Parental leave

Job summary

Vernet US is seeking a Cost Accountant to analyze and manage product and manufacturing costs, maintain standard costs, and support inventory valuation. The role partners with operations, engineering, and leadership to drive cost accuracy and profitability.

You will contribute to month-end close, variances analysis, and cost reporting while collaborating across departments to improve efficiency in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2–5 years of cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, or related financial analysis.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Proficient in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP).
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and Leadership.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead in the ERP system.
• Analyze and report cost variances and provide actionable insights.
• Support month-end close activities, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Reconcile inventory, WIP, and finished goods accounts.
• Prepare cost and profitability reports to aid business decisions.
• Assist budgeting and forecasting for manufacturing costs.
• Support physical inventory and cycle counts, including variance investigations.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and accounting policies.

Skills

Excel

ERP/MRP experience

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Cost accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Cost Accountant

Position: Cost Accountant

Reports To: Finance Manager

Position Type: Salary Exempt

Hours per week: 40+

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday (Flex Fridays)

Department: 200-Accounting

Orientation Period: 90 Days

Position Summary / Resumen de posición

The Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing and managing product and manufacturing costs, maintaining accurate standard costs, supporting inventory valuation, and providing financial insight to improve operational efficiency and profitability. This role partners closely with operations, engineering, and leadership to ensure accurate cost reporting and informed business decisions.

Key Responsibilities / Responsabilidades clave

• Maintain and update standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead in the ERP system
• Analyze and report on cost variances (material, labor, overhead) and provide actionable insights
• Support month-end close activities, including preparation of journal entries, accruals, and reconciliations related to inventory and cost of goods sold
• Reconcile and monitor inventory, work-in-process, and finished goods accounts
• Partner with operations, engineering, and purchasing to ensure accurate product costing and cost control
• Prepare and distribute cost and profitability reports to support business decisions
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting for manufacturing costs
• Support and participate in physical inventory counts and cycle counts, including variance investigation
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and audit requirements
• Assist with internal and external audits by providing required cost and inventory documentation
• Identify and drive cost savings opportunities and process improvements within operations
• Maintain accurate costing data within ERP/MRP systems
• Perform financial and cost analysis as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management, including tasks outside of primary responsibilities, to meet business and operational needs

Required Qualifications / Requisitos obligatorios

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 2–5 years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, or related financial analysis role
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis required)
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar preferred)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and Leadership teams
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

Education / Educación

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

Skills and Attributes / Habilidades y atributos

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret financial and operational data
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data analysis and reporting
• Solid understanding of cost accounting principles and manufacturing processes
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively across departments
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Effective communication skills with the ability to explain financial data to non‑finance partners
• Problem‑solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and cost efficiency
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to work with large data sets
• Adaptability in a fast‑paced, production‑driven environment
• Professional and respectful approach when working with cross‑functional teams (Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, etc.)

Work Environment / Ambiente de trabajo

• Primarily office‑based role with regular use of computer systems and ERP software
• Occasional visits to the production floor to support inventory counts, cost verification, and cross‑functional collaboration
• Must comply with all plant safety requirements when in manufacturing areas, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and other required gear
• Frequent interaction with Operations, Engineering, Purchasing, and other departments in both office and plant settings
• Fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities based on production and business needs
• Regular use of standard office equipment including computer, phone, printer, and copier
• Requires ability to remain in a seated position for extended periods while performing analytical and reporting tasks

Must wear required protective equipment, including ANSI Z87.1-2003 standard safety glasses when in the plant / Debe usar el equipo de protección requerido, incluyendo gafas de seguridad que cumplen con la norma ANSI Z87.1-2003, cuando se encuentre en la planta.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Three medical plan options, including an HSA‑compatible plan
• Comprehensive dental and vision coverage
• Company‑paid long‑term disability and group life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, Flex Fridays Off, and 10 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• A culture rooted in integrity, respect, trust, and teamwork

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to grow, contribute, and thrive with a company that values you.

Vernet US is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to creating a diverse workplace. / Vernet US es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y anima a candidatos de todos los orígenes a presentar su solicitud. Estamos comprometidos con la creación de un entorno laboral diverso.