Cost Accounting Lead

ClinLab Solutions Group; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ClinLab Solutions Group is seeking a Cost Accounting Lead to drive the cost accounting function, building analysis frameworks, reporting structures, and controls for leadership insight into cost performance. This hands-on role owns budgeting, forecasting, inventory valuation integrity, and variance analysis that turns data into actionable decisions.

You’ll redesign processes and tools to close gaps, partner with operations and finance, and ensure audit-ready compliance with US GAAP and internal

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance (required).
• 5+ years of progressive cost accounting experience.
• Experience owning cost processes end-to-end.

Responsibilities

• Build and refine cost analysis methodologies for direct and indirect spend.
• Own cost reporting and variance analysis outputs for decision-makers.
• Audit cost structures, data pipelines, and reporting practices; redesigns as needed.
• Produce cost-related financial reports for budgeting, forecasting, and planning.
• Own the annual budget and cost forecast cycle, and viability assessments for new projects.
• Manage the annual standard cost revision cycle and intercompany checks.
• Safeguard inventory accuracy and COGM through valuation methods and drivers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to strengthen cost controls and purchasing.
• Maintain compliance with US GAAP and internal policies; stay audit-ready.

Skills

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Standard costing

Inventory accounting

Cycle count reporting

US GAAP knowledge

Analytical thinking

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Master's degree and CMA (strong plus)

Job description

The Cost Accounting Lead drives the company's cost accounting function - building out analysis frameworks, reporting structures, and internal controls that give leadership a clear, reliable view into cost performance. This is a hands-on, build-it role: the person in this seat will evaluate what's currently in place, identify where it falls short, and lead the redesign of processes, tools, and methodologies to close those gaps. Beyond day-to-day cost management, the role owns budget and forecast development, inventory valuation integrity, and the variance analysis that turns raw cost data into decisions leadership can act on.

What You'll Do

• Build and refine cost analysis methodologies spanning direct and indirect spend, surfacing efficiency gains, savings opportunities, and margin upside
• Own the cost reporting and variance analysis function, keeping outputs timely, accurate, and genuinely useful to decision-makers
• Audit current cost structures, data pipelines, and reporting practices; identify weak points and lead process, methodology, or control redesigns
• Produce cost-related financial reports and analyses that feed directly into budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning
• Own the annual budget and cost forecast cycle, including financial viability assessments for new projects, initiatives, and product launches
• Manage the annual standard cost revision cycle, including work order settlement reviews and intercompany transaction checks
• Safeguard inventory accuracy and COGM integrity by monitoring valuation methods and the cost drivers behind them
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, operations, supply chain, and finance to strengthen cost controls, sharpen purchasing practices, and back strategic projects
• Maintain compliance with US GAAP, internal policy, and relevant industry standards, keeping the function audit-ready at all times

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or similar field; Master's degree and/or CMA a strong plus
• 5+ years of progressively responsible cost accounting experience, ideally in manufacturing or industrial settings, with a track record of owning cost processes end-to-end
• A history of building or overhauling cost accounting/reporting processes - not just executing within an existing framework
• Solid command of variance analysis, standard costing, inventory accounting, and cycle count reporting
• Sharp analytical ability - comfortable breaking down complex cost drivers into insights non-finance stakeholders can use
• Working knowledge of US GAAP and core cost accounting principles
• Self-directed working style - able to define the right analytical approach and see it through to documented completion
• Clear communicator, able to translate financial detail for non-financial audiences
• Thrives in ambiguity and a fast-moving environment, proactively spotting where things can improve