Cost Accounting Manager

Superior Essex Communications; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Superior Essex Communications is seeking a Cost Accounting Manager to lead cost accounting, product costing, and inventory valuation while partnering with operations and leadership to drive profitability. You will implement standard costing, analyze manufacturing costs and variances, and lead month-end and year-end closes for inventory and cost accounting.

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance (CPA/CMA preferred), 5+ years in cost accounting (manufacturing ideal), and ERP proficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA/CMA preferred.
• 5+ years in cost accounting or financial analysis, manufacturing ideal.
• Strong knowledge of standard cost systems, variances, and inventory accounting.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Oversee cost accounting, including inventory valuation, COGS, and product costing.
• Develop and maintain standard cost systems and processes.
• Analyze costs and prepare reports comparing standard vs actual costs.
• Review cost standards for new and existing products.
• Collaborate with operations and supply chain on costs and variances.
• Lead month-end and year-end close for inventory and cost accounting.
• Support FP&A with forecasts, budgets, and cost-control strategies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve profitability.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal policies.
• Train and mentor junior staff and build the cost accounting team.
• Assist auditors during audits.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

Position Overview

The Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing cost accounting functions within the company. This role ensures accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and margin analysis while driving continuous improvement in cost efficiency, financial reporting, and operational performance. The position partners closely with operations, supply chain, and leadership to support strategic decision-making and profitability.

Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the cost accounting function including inventory valuation, cost of goods sold, and product costing.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard cost accounting systems and processes.
• Analyze manufacturing costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs.
• Review and update cost standards for new and existing products.
• Work closely with operations and supply chain teams to analyze production costs, variances, and process efficiencies.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes related to inventory and cost accounting.
• Support financial planning and analysis (FP&A) in developing forecasts, budgets, and cost control strategies.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve profitability.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, GAAP, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Train and mentor junior accounting staff and build a high-performing cost accounting team.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors during audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA/CMA preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting or financial analysis, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of standard cost systems, cost variance analysis, and inventory accounting.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.