Senior Cost Accountant

Joseph Michaels International; Canonsburg (Washington County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

401(k)

Job summary

Joseph Michaels International is seeking a detail-oriented Senior Cost Accountant to lead project accounting and develop and maintain labor-based absorption rates for pricing and margin analysis. The role supports financial reporting, general ledger activities, and month-end closing processes to maintain accurate records.

The candidate will reconcile timekeeping and payroll data, analyze cost variances, and interact with auditors as needed.

Qualifications

• ERP and data entry systems proficiency; MS Dynamics a plus.
• Strong general ledger accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience in project, job, or service-based cost accounting; industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain absorption rates for labor burden and materials.
• Lead project accounting, cost tracking, and profitability reporting.
• Reconcile timekeeping, payroll, billing; ensure costs captured to projects.
• Support month-end close and GAAP accounting; assist auditors.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

3-5 years of experience

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Senior Cost Accountant

Salary $80,000.00- $ 95,000.00 + Bonus + 401 K

seeking a detail-oriented Senior Accountant – Cost & Financial Reporting to lead project accounting and develop and maintain labor-based absorption rates supporting pricing, billing, and margin analysis. This position will also support financial reporting, general ledger activities, and month-end closing processes, helping maintain accurate financial records, analyze project costs and variances, and support operational reporting.

Educational / Experience Requirements

·Proficiency with an integrated ERP and data entry systems, Microsoft Dynamics experience is a plus.

·Accounting experience with a strong understanding of general ledger accounting and financial reporting.

·Experience in project, job, or service-based cost accounting; staffing, professional services, or field services industry experience preferred.

·Knowledge of accounting principles and U.S. (GAAP).

·Bachelor's degree in Accounting or a related field.

·3-5 years of experience

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and periodically update absorption rates for labor burden (wages, payroll taxes, workers' compensation, benefits, travel/per diem, and training) and for consumables and materials passed through to customers, ensuring full cost recovery and accurate pricing and billing.
• Perform project accounting, including job/project cost tracking, unbilled revenue accruals, and project and customer profitability reporting.
• Analyze pay rate vs. bill rate spreads and gross margin by customer, project, and division; recommend pricing adjustments and develop reports communicating financial results, cost trends, and key performance indicators.
• Reconcile timekeeping, payroll, and billing data to ensure labor costs are accurately captured and charged to the correct projects.
• Work with divisional operations teams to review cost centers, expense coding, and allocations, resolve discrepancies, and provide recommendations to the Controller.
• Support the monthly close for multiple entities, including journal entries, U.S. GAAP account reconciliations, analysis of significant accounts, and general ledger maintenance.
• Prepare documentation for external auditors and interact with outside organizations, such as banks and insurance companies, as needed.
• Assist the Controller and management with financial analysis, system changes, process improvements, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

·Proficient level of numerical and analytical problem-solving skills

·Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial information.

·Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

·Team member mentality with ability to work independently adhering to established internal control procedures with minimal supervision and quality assurance mindset.