Cost Accounting Manager

Black Bear Talent; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Bear Talent is recruiting a Cost Accounting Manager for a direct hire opportunity in a manufacturing setting. The role partners with Operations leadership and Procurement to manage cost structures and inventory controls while ensuring accurate reporting.

Responsibilities include month-end cost analysis, establishing standard costs, maintaining cost systems, and supporting annual audits. The position emphasizes process improvements and accuracy in financial data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field required.
• 5+ years cost accounting experience in manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with inventory valuation and cost controls.

Responsibilities

• Leading month-end cost analysis, reporting, and product margin evaluations
• Establishing standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead
• Developing, maintaining cost accounting systems and processes
• Reviewing manufacturing costs and identifying cost-reduction opportunities
• Monitoring inventory levels and reconciling month-end balances
• Supporting annual audit activities with the Controller
• Ensuring accurate reporting and cost analysis to meet financial objectives
• Maintaining organized financial records and documentation
• Overseeing annual physical inventory processes
• Enforcing cost accounting policies and best practices with leadership

Skills

Advanced Excel

ERP systems

Data analysis

Cost accounting

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Black Bear Talent is recruiting for a Cost Accounting Manager. This is a direct hire opportunity. The Cost Accounting Manager will oversee daily financial activities, ensuring accurate reporting by developing and refining systems used to collect, analyze, validate, and present financial data. In close partnership with Operations leadership and Procurement Team, this role will play a key part in managing cost structures and inventory controls.

Responsibilities:

• Leading month-end cost analysis, reporting, and product margin evaluations
• Establishing standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead
• Developing, enhancing, and maintaining cost accounting systems and processes
• Reviewing manufacturing costs and identifying opportunities for cost reduction
• Monitoring inventory levels and completing month-end reconciliations
• Recommending and implementing process improvements and corrective actions
• Supporting annual audit activities in collaboration with the Controller
• Ensuring financial objectives are met through accurate reporting and analysis
• Maintaining organized financial records and documentation of transactions
• Overseeing annual physical inventory processes
• Enforcing cost accounting policies, procedures, and best practices alongside leadership

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Cost Accounting Manager or Accounting Manager role within a manufacturing environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong experience with ERP systems and databases
• Ability to analyze and interpret large data sets for reporting and decision-making
• Solid understanding of cost accounting methodologies and best practices
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field

Preferred Experience

• 5+ years of cost accounting experience or 10+ years in accounting overall
• Background in manufacturing environments, including inventory management and valuation
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• Self-starter with strong organizational and project management skills