Cost Accountant

CFS; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS in Elkhart, Indiana is seeking a cost accountant to join our onsite finance team. This role focuses on cost analysis, inventory costing, budgeting, and improving manufacturing profitability.

You will drive month-end close, analyze margins and variances, and partner with operations to translate financial data into actionable insight. 5+ years in manufacturing accounting is preferred, with strong Excel and ERP skills to support accurate financial reporting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in cost accounting and manufacturing cost analysis.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated expertise in margin analysis and variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end close activities including journal entries, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, product costing, inventory, and COGS.
• Perform margin analysis to identify profitability trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate cost variances, identify root causes, and communicate findings to management.
• Assist with budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.
• Monitor performance against budgets/forecasts/standard costs.
• Prepare cost accounting reports to support decisions.
• Partner with operations to understand cost drivers and improve efficiency.
• Analyze inventory valuation and ensure accurate costing and records.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost controls and processes.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing

Budgeting

Forecasting

Margin analysis

Variance analysis

Inventory costing

Month-end close

Excel

ERP systems

Communication

Collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Location: Elkhart, Indiana

Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

Compensation: $85,000–$100,000 annually

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Cost Accountant to join their team in Elkhart, Indiana. This role is ideal for an analytical accounting professional with strong cost accounting experience and a solid understanding of manufacturing operations, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

The successful candidate will play a key role in analyzing production costs, monitoring margins, investigating variances, and supporting the month-end close process. This is a hands‑on opportunity for a detail‑oriented problem solver who can translate financial data into meaningful business insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support month-end close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Analyze manufacturing costs, product costing, inventory, and cost of goods sold.
• Perform margin analysis to identify profitability trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate cost variances, identify root causes, and communicate findings to management.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of budgets, forecasts, and financial projections.
• Monitor actual performance against budgets, forecasts, and standard costs.
• Prepare accurate and timely cost accounting reports to support operational and financial decisions.
• Partner with operations and other departments to understand cost drivers and improve manufacturing efficiency.
• Analyze inventory valuation and ensure accurate costing and financial records.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost controls, reporting accuracy, and accounting processes.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support profitability and business performance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in cost accounting and manufacturing cost analysis.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Demonstrated expertise in margin analysis and variance analysis.
• Solid understanding of inventory costing, cost of goods sold, and manufacturing financials.
• Experience supporting and completing month-end close activities.
• Strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/accounting systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on, analytical cost accounting professional who enjoys digging into financial details, identifying discrepancies, and finding solutions to complex costing issues. They should be comfortable owning month-end responsibilities, analyzing margins and variances, and working closely with operations to help drive efficiency and profitability.

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