Cost Accounting Analyst

Michael Page; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MPI in Cleveland, OH is seeking a cost accounting professional to join a manufacturing finance team. You will analyze cost drivers, support standard costing, and partner with engineering and operations to drive cost reductions.

Requirements include a BA/BS in accounting or related field, 2+ years cost accounting in manufacturing, strong Excel and ERP exposure, and ability to communicate with both finance and operations. This permanent role offers growth and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with standard costing methodologies is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both finance and operational stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills required; ERP experience preferred.
• Exposure to SQL or data-querying tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing performance, including material consumption, labor efficiency, overhead allocation, production yields, machine utilization, and productivity metrics.
• Support and maintain standard costing processes while developing an understanding of product cost structures and BOMs.
• Partner with engineering and product development teams to evaluate financial impact of product and process changes.
• Collaborate with operations and plant leadership to identify cost-reduction opportunities and operational improvements.
• Participate in manufacturing floor activities and continuous improvement initiatives to understand production processes.
• Investigate inventory, production, and work-order variances, performing root-cause analysis and recommending corrective actions.
• Support inventory management efforts, including cycle count programs and related analysis.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities related to manufacturing and inventory accounting.
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and support audit requests as needed.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, KPI tracking, and ad hoc financial analysis.
• Translate operational and financial data into actionable insights for business leaders.
• Continuously improve reporting, data quality, and process efficiency across the organization.

Job description

Job Title

Open due to growth - rapidly growing organization, newly created role! Highly visible role, clear path for growth

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established manufacturer serving critical infrastructure and industrial markets across North America. The company is experiencing significant growth and investment, creating an exciting environment for finance professionals who want to work closely with operations, influence decision-making, and develop into future leadership opportunities. This position is based at a manufacturing facility in the Greater Cleveland area and works closely with finance, supply chain, engineering, production, and plant leadership teams.

Job Description

• Analyze manufacturing performance, including material consumption, labor efficiency, overhead allocation, production yields, machine utilization, and productivity metrics.
• Support and maintain standard costing processes while developing a deep understanding of product cost structures and bills of materials.
• Partner with engineering and product development teams to evaluate the financial impact of product and process changes.
• Collaborate with operations and plant leadership to identify cost-reduction opportunities and operational improvements.
• Participate in manufacturing floor activities and continuous improvement initiatives to better understand production processes and performance drivers.
• Investigate inventory, production, and work-order variances, performing root-cause analysis and recommending corrective actions.
• Support inventory management efforts, including cycle count programs, inventory accuracy initiatives, and related analysis.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities related to manufacturing and inventory accounting.
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and support audit requests as needed.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, KPI tracking, and ad hoc financial analysis.
• Translate operational and financial data into actionable insights for business leaders.
• Continuously improve reporting, data quality, and process efficiency across the organization.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with standard costing methodologies is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both finance and operational stakeholders.
• Advanced Excel skills required; ERP experience preferred.
• Exposure to SQL or data-querying tools is a plus.

What's on Offer

• Competitive base salary of $95,000-$110,000 with flexibility for exceptional candidates.
• Annual bonus opportunity targeting 10%.
• Opportunity to join a business experiencing substantial year-over-year growth.
• Direct visibility to finance and operational leadership.
• Career development and advancement potential within a growing organization.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including vacation, holidays, and retirement benefits.
• A hands-on role where finance partners directly with manufacturing operations to drive business performance.

Job Summary

Sector: Accounting

Sub Sector: Commercial & Analysis

Industry: Industrial / Manufacturing

Where: Cleveland

Contract Type: Permanent

Consultant Name: Andrew Noll

Job Reference: JN-072026-7075498