Cost Accountant - Alpena Area

The Pivot Group; Alpena (MI); On-site; USD 68,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Network is seeking a Cost Accountant in the Alpena, MI area to support manufacturing partners with cost analysis and process improvement. You will lead cost reporting, margin analysis, and standard cost maintenance while partnering with operations and finance teams.

Ideal candidates have manufacturing cost accounting experience, ERP proficiency, and strong budgeting/forecasting skills to drive financial efficiency and accuracy across product lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Two or more years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Understanding of inventory valuation and month end close processes.
• Ability to communicate cost data clearly to non financial teams.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing and variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing variances and report findings to operations and finance leaders.
• Perform month end close activities including inventory reconciliations and journal entries.
• Review bills of materials and routings for accuracy and cost impact.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Prepare cost reports and margin analysis by product line.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting for production costs.
• Investigate cost discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare and maintain standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead.

Skills

ERP systems

Advanced spreadsheet skills

Communicate cost data clearly

Variance analysis

Education

Bachelor degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Job description

Job Description:

Cost Accountant | Alpena, MI

Salary Range: $68,000 - $102,000 depending on experience

Are you a seasoned professional with a passion for analyzing costs and driving financial efficiency? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting community growth. We collaborate with leading companies in the Alpena area seeking Cost Accountants to lead and enhance their operations.

We are building our network of talent in this field across Michigan's manufacturing regions. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

This posting covers Cost Accountant opportunities with manufacturers based in and around Alpena in Alpena County, within about 45 minutes of the city, including Ossineke, Hillman, Rogers City, and Lincoln.

The Opportunity

We partner with manufacturers across the Alpena area seeking Cost Accountants who want more than a lateral move. These companies hire intentionally, and we connect them with professionals ready for roles that fit.

Usual Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing variances and report findings to operations and finance leaders.
• Perform month end close activities including inventory reconciliations and journal entries.
• Review bills of materials and routings for accuracy and cost impact.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Prepare cost reports and margin analysis by product line.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting for production costs.
• Investigate cost discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare and maintain standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead.

Recommended Qualifications

• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Understanding of inventory valuation and month end close processes.
• Ability to communicate cost data clearly to non financial teams.
• Bachelor degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Two or more years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing and variance analysis.

Bonus Qualifications

• Familiarity with activity based costing methods.
• Exposure to audit support and internal controls.
• Experience with data visualization or reporting tools.CPA or CMA certification.
• Experience with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.

Job Titles That Should Apply

Cost Analyst, Financial Analyst Manufacturing, Accounting Analyst, Senior Cost Accountant, Standard Cost Analyst, Operations Accountant, Manufacturing Accountant, Plant Accountant, Inventory Accountant

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future visa sponsorship. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic - they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

The Pivot Group Network offers resources to support your search - market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.

Required Skills:

• Reports
• Data
• Inventory
• Valuation
• Support
• Search
• Lean Manufacturing
• Journal Entries
• Variance Analysis
• Authorization
• Driving
• Salary
• Operations
• Visualization
• Hiring
• Analysis
• ERP
• Partnerships
• Internal Controls
• Corrective Actions
• Recruiting
• Compensation
• Data Visualization
• Continuous Improvement
• Manufacturing
• Forecasting
• Budgeting
• Materials
• Preparation
• Accounting
• Finance

Salary Package:

$ 68,000.00 - 102,000.00 (US Dollar)