Cost Accountant

Ledgent; Easthampton (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Ledgent is seeking an experienced Cost Accounting Manager to oversee cost accounting operations in a manufacturing environment. The role focuses on accurate product costing, variance analysis, and leadership of the cost accounting function to support operational decisions.

The candidate should have 7+ years in cost accounting within manufacturing, a Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance, strong Excel and ERP skills, and proven leadership to mentor staff and work with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years cost accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Experience supervising staff and collaborating with operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all cost accounting functions to support organizational goals.
• Lead cost accounting staff and related teams.
• Review monthly journal entries for cost of sales and inventory.
• Analyze cost and inventory variances and identify improvements.
• Evaluate impact of design/material/process changes on costs.
• Develop reports on pricing, profitability and production performance.
• Maintain BOM accuracy and updates.
• Set overhead rates and inventory reserve requirements.
• Coordinate annual physical inventory and present results.
• Recommend process improvements to boost efficiency.
• Audit activities and ensure data accuracy across finance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Cost Accounting Manager to lead cost accounting operations within a manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate product costing, analyzing inventory and manufacturing variances, overseeing cost accounting functions, and providing financial insights that support operational and business decisions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cost accounting, inventory management, and manufacturing processes, along with proven leadership and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all cost accounting functions to support organizational goals.
• Supervise and provide leadership to cost accounting staff and related team members.
• Review and approve monthly journal entries related to cost of sales and inventory transactions.
• Analyze cost and inventory variances and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate the impact of changes in product design, raw materials, and manufacturing processes on product costs.
• Develop and present reports that analyze pricing, profitability, and production performance.
• Ensure the accuracy and maintenance of bills of materials (BOMs).
• Establish, review, and monitor overhead rates and inventory reserve requirements.
• Coordinate annual physical inventory counts and present inventory analysis results to management.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and service levels within the finance department.
• Audit departmental activities and verify data input and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy.
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams across the organization.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience required.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting, standard costing, and variance analysis.

Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate across departments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.

Work Environment

• Professional office environment in a manufacturing facility.
• Regular interaction with operations, production, and finance teams.
• Primarily desk-based work involving computer use, data analysis, and reporting.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive salary range of $75,000 - $85,000
• Leadership opportunity within a well-established manufacturing organization.
• Direct exposure to operational decision-making and strategic financial analysis.
• Collaborative team environment with visibility to senior leadership.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.