Cost Accountant

Vaco LLC; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco is partnering with a leading manufacturing company in Fort Worth to identify a Cost Accountant. You will analyze manufacturing costs, investigate variances, and provide financial insights to support operational efficiency and profitability.

The role requires hands-on cost accounting experience in manufacturing, a solid understanding of cost drivers and standard costing, and the ability to collaborate with plant operations to translate financial results into actionable business insights.

Qualifications

• Experience in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost structures and cost drivers.
• Experience analyzing variances (material, labor, overhead) and communicating findings to stakeholders.
• Familiarity with SOX controls and internal controls.
• Ability to partner with plant operations and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Cost Accounting & Variance Analysis: analyze material, labor, overhead, variances to identify trends and driver factors.
• Operational Partnership: collaborate with plant operations, supply chain, FP&A, and corporate accounting to provide cost visibility.
• Manufacturing Performance: evaluate production costs and cost movements to identify efficiency opportunities.
• Variance Investigation: research unfavorable variances and communicate root causes to operations.
• Standard Costing: support maintenance and analysis of standard costs.
• Internal Controls & Compliance: support SOX controls and reporting procedures.
• Financial Reporting: prepare cost accounting reports, reconciliations, and schedules.
• Continuous Improvement: identify opportunities to improve costing processes and data integrity.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: resolve costing discrepancies with accounting and operations.

Skills

Cost accounting

Manufacturing accounting

Variance analysis

SOX controls

Analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication to stakeholders

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Job description

Cost Accountant

Fort Worth

We are partnering with a leading, publicly traded manufacturing company in the steel and infrastructure industry to identify a Cost Accountant to join its accounting and finance team. This individual will play a key role in analyzing manufacturing costs, investigating variances, and providing financial insight to support operational efficiency and profitability.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment, a strong understanding of manufacturing cost drivers, and the ability to partner with plant operations to translate financial results into actionable business insights. Experience with standard costing, capital-related variances, and SOX controls is highly desirable.

This opportunity offers the chance to join an established organization with a strong track record of developing talent internally, providing opportunities for long-term career advancement while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Accounting & Variance Analysis: Analyze material, labor, overhead, purchase price, and manufacturing variances to identify trends, investigate significant fluctuations, and understand the underlying drivers of financial performance.
• Operational Partnership: Collaborate closely with plant operations, supply chain, FP&A, and corporate accounting to provide visibility into manufacturing costs, product margins, and operational performance.
• Manufacturing Performance: Evaluate production costs, inventory movements, and cost trends to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, cost control, and profitability.
• Variance Investigation: Research unfavorable variances, identify root causes, and communicate findings to operational stakeholders, helping translate financial data into practical recommendations.
• Standard Costing: Support the maintenance and analysis of standard costs, including material, labor, and overhead components, ensuring costs appropriately reflect manufacturing operations.
• Internal Controls & Compliance: Support compliance with internal control requirements, including SOX controls, documentation, and financial reporting procedures.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and analyze cost accounting reports, reconciliations, and supporting schedules to ensure accurate and timely financial results.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve cost accounting processes, reporting accuracy, and financial visibility across manufacturing operations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with accounting and operational teams to resolve costing discrepancies, improve data integrity, and strengthen the connection between financial results and plant-level activity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, or operational finance within a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing cost structures, including material, labor, overhead, and standard costing.
• Experience analyzing manufacturing variances, purchase price variances, and other cost fluctuations.
• Ability to investigate financial discrepancies, identify root causes, and communicate findings to both accounting and non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and connect results to operational performance.
• Experience working with plant operations, supply chain, or other cross-functional manufacturing teams.
• Familiarity with internal controls and SOX compliance requirements preferred.