Cost Accountant

Jobtailor; Mequon (WI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Wisconsin seeks a cost accountant to serve as a subject matter expert in cost and inventory accounting and to lead month-end close activities.

You will perform advanced cost and margin analysis, partner cross-functionally to drive operational efficiency and financial performance, and support standard cost setting and updates. Strong ERP and Excel skills are required, with US GAAP knowledge.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience.
• 6–8 years of cost accounting and manufacturing environments may be preferred.
• Experience leading close processes or improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of US GAAP, inventory valuation, and cost allocation.

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end close activities.
• Perform advanced cost and margin analysis.
• Partner cross-functionally to provide insights that drive operational efficiency and financial performance.
• Analyze manufacturing variances and prepare cost performance reports with actionable insights.
• Support standard cost setting and periodic updates.
• Provide financial input for capital investments, production efficiency, and pricing decisions.
• Maintain strong internal controls around cost and inventory accounting.
• Lead initiatives to automate and improve cost reporting and data accuracy.
• Support and guide junior accountants, sharing technical expertise and best practices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

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

CPA

CMA or MBA

Tools

ERP Systems

Excel

Job description

• Serve as a subject matter expert in cost and inventory accounting
• Lead month-end close activities
• Perform advanced cost and margin analysis
• Partner cross-functionally to provide insights that drive operational efficiency and financial performance
• Analyze manufacturing variances and prepare cost performance reports with actionable insights
• Support standard cost setting and periodic updates
• Provide financial input for capital investments, production efficiency, and pricing decisions
• Maintain strong internal controls around cost and inventory accounting
• Lead initiatives to automate and improve cost reporting and data accuracy
• Support and guide junior accountants, sharing technical expertise and best practices

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 4–6 years of cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Proficiency in ERP systems and Excel
• Understanding of US GAAP, inventory valuation, and cost allocation
• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred
• 6–8 years of experience in cost accounting and manufacturing environments may be preferred
• Experience leading close processes or improvement initiatives

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in cost and inventory accounting, with a strong focus on financial performance, operational efficiency, and compliance with US GAAP. Capable of leading month-end close activities and guiding junior accountants while leveraging advanced analytical skills and ERP systems.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Cost Accounting Expertise
• Financial Analysis
• ERP Systems Proficiency
• US GAAP Understanding
• Leadership in Close Processes

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Cost Analysis
• Margin Analysis
• Inventory Valuation
• Cost Allocation
• Month-End Close Activities
• Standard Cost Setting
• Data Accuracy Improvement
• Financial Reporting
• Capital Investment Analysis
• Operational Efficiency Insights

Soft Skills

• Analytical Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Communication Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

• CPA
• CMA
• MBA

Industry Keywords

• Manufacturing Finance
• Cost Performance Reports
• Internal Controls
• Cross-Functional Partnership
• Close Process Leadership

Tools & Technologies

• ERP Systems
• Excel