Cost Accountant / Assistant Controller

Vaco Recruiter Services; Town of Mayville (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Our client is seeking a hands-on Cost Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller to lead cost accounting across multiple manufacturing operations. You will partner with the Controller and executive leadership to drive financial performance, develop scalable processes, and support strategic growth.

Ideal candidates will have strong cost accounting experience in manufacturing, leadership abilities, and advanced analytical skills, with a track record of improving profitability and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Progressive accounting/finance experience in manufacturing.
• Strong cost accounting expertise to investigate variances and drive action.
• Experience leading teams and cross-department collaboration.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with ERP systems (preferably SAP).
• Advanced Excel skills with large data sets.
• Strong financial modeling, reporting and business analysis abilities.
• Excellent communication skills to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost accounting activities across multiple manufacturing operations and identify variances and improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Controller and executive leadership to support financial and operational decision-making.
• Supervise accounting team members and build scalable processes and structure.
• Analyze product costs, manufacturing performance, inventory trends, and operational metrics for insights.
• Support due diligence, valuation analysis, and integration for acquisitions.
• Evaluate contracts and financial implications of strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with operations, supply chain, engineering, and leadership to improve profitability.
• Provide financial guidance for budgets, capex, and investments.
• Participate in forecasting, planning, and long-term strategy discussions.
• Assist fiscal year-end close and ensure accurate reporting.
• Lead continuous improvement in accounting, finance, and reporting.

Skills

Cost accounting

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

SAP

Excel

Job description

Cost Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller

Are you a hands-on finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment? Our client is seeking a Cost Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller to join a growing organization and play a key role in driving financial performance, operational excellence, and strategic growth initiatives.

This is a highly visible opportunity that combines technical accounting, cost accounting, business partnership, and leadership. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable diving into cost analysis, partnering with operations leaders, and contributing to executive-level strategic decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cost accounting activities across multiple manufacturing operations, identifying root causes of variances and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner closely with the Controller and executive leadership team to support financial and operational decision-making.
• Supervise and develop accounting team members while helping build scalable processes and organizational structure.
• Analyze product costs, manufacturing performance, inventory trends, and operational metrics to provide actionable business insights.
• Support financial due diligence, valuation analysis, and integration efforts related to future acquisition opportunities.
• Evaluate contracts, business agreements, and financial implications of strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with operations, supply chain, engineering, and leadership teams to improve profitability and efficiency.
• Provide financial guidance related to budgets, capital expenditures, and operational investments.
• Participate in forecasting, financial planning, and long-term business strategy discussions.
• Support fiscal year-end close activities and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across accounting, finance, and reporting functions.
• Help establish processes and systems that support ongoing growth and expansion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Progressive accounting and finance experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong cost accounting expertise with the ability to investigate variances, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions.
• Experience leading teams and collaborating across multiple departments.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of proficiency with ERP systems, preferably SAP.
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with large data sets.
• Strong financial modeling, reporting, and business analysis capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day execution.