Cost Accountant – Plainwell Area

The Pivot Group Careers; Plainwell (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pivot Group Careers is seeking a Cost Accountant for Plainwell, MI. The role focuses on cost analysis, standard costing, and margin reporting within a manufacturing setting. You will partner with production and finance to drive cost efficiency and accuracy.

Responsibilities include month-end close, BOM review, inventory counts, and cost reporting. Strong ERP and Excel skills are essential, with CPA/CMA a bonus. Visa sponsorship is not offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in accounting or finance required.
• 2+ years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of standard costing and variance analysis.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• CPA or CMA certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform month end close activities including inventory reconciliations and journal entries.
• Review bills of materials and routings for 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.
• Analyze manufacturing variances and report findings to operations and finance leaders.

Skills

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Financial reporting

Month-end close

Communication of cost data

Education

Bachelor degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Two or more years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

SAP

Oracle

Job description

Job Description:

Cost Accountant | Plainwell, MI

Salary Range: $65,000 – $98,000 depending on experience

Are you a skilled professional with a passion for analyzing costs and driving financial efficiency? The Pivot Group Network, a Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is dedicated to building meaningful connections in the manufacturing community. We collaborate with companies in the Plainwell area seeking experienced Cost Accountants.

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 Plainwell in Allegan County, within about 30 minutes of the city, including Hope.

The Opportunity

We partner with organizations in the Plainwell area that seek Cost Accountants. These companies are committed to building strong teams and look for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Usual Responsibilities

• 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.
• Analyze manufacturing variances and report findings to operations and finance leaders.

Recommended Qualifications

• 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.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced spreadsheet skills.

Bonus Qualifications

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

Job Titles That Should Apply

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

Required Skills:

Resume Data Offers Accountants Inventory Cost Reduction Support Capital Valuation Driving Variance Analysis Analysis ERP Salary Hiring Partnerships Recruiting Compensation SAP Forecasting Manufacturing Budgeting Excel Oracle Preparation Accounting Finance Training

Salary Package:

$ 65,000.00 – 98,000.00 (US Dollar)