Cost Accounting Manager

City of Altoona, PA; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Altoona, PA is seeking a Cost Accountant to partner with Operations, Engineering and Finance to optimize costing, inventory controls and BOM accuracy. This onsite role reports to CFO and leads a small team.

Responsibilities include cost standard updates, journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, cost reporting, and financial analyses for projects. Strong internal controls and cross-functional collaboration are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in cost accounting and inventory control within manufacturing or operations.
• Strong analytical and modeling skills; ability to develop cost reports and variance analyses.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize the cost accounting system.
• Analyze manufacturing costs including materials, labor, overhead, scrap, and landed costs.
• Establish and monitor cost standards; investigate variances.
• Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual standard cost updates.
• Monitor inventory transactions and obsolescence; maintain BOM accuracy.
• Prepare journal entries; reconcile balance sheet accounts; assist with month-end close.
• Develop financial models and support budgeting/forecasting; respond to audits.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Budgeting & forecasting

Leadership

BOM management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP software

Excel

Job description

• Perform monthly, quarterly, & annual standard cost updates

Job Description

Accountant works closely with Operations, Engineering, & Finance to improve costing processes, support decision‑making, & maintain strong financial controls. This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Inventory - ONSITE POSITION

• Maintain and improve the company's cost accounting system
• Analyze manufacturing costs, including raw materials, labor, overhead, scrap, & landed costs
• Establish and monitor cost standards & investigate cost variances
• Perform monthly, quarterly, & annual standard cost updates
• Monitor inventory transactions, adjustments, shrinkage, scrap, & obsolescence
• Partner with Engineering & Production to maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Support continuous improvement of inventory & costing processes

Financial Reporting

• Prepare & post journal entries
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts monthly
• Assist with monthly financial statements & support a three‑day month‑end close
• Prepare cost reports & present findings & recommendations to management
• Communicate significant cost changes & trends to leadership

Analysis & Business Support

• Develop financial models & cost analyses, including machine rates, activity‑based costing, & variance reporting
• Support budgeting & forecasting through cost analysis & historical data
• Respond to audit requests & internal reporting needs
• Collect & analyze financial data for special projects
• Participate in cross‑functional meetings to improve financial & operational performance
• Develop cost accounting processes for new products & co‑manufactured items

Leadership

• Lead & develop a small team of cost accountants
• Promote continuous improvement & strong internal controls
• Collaborate effectively with Finance, Manufacturing, Engineering, & other departments