Senior Cost Accountant

KerberRose; Kiel (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

KerberRose is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant to partner with the CFO in a highly visible manufacturing finance role. You will oversee standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost analysis while supporting operational leadership.

This position offers broad responsibility and potential for growth within the organization. The role also provides direct mentorship from senior executives and the opportunity to serve as the CFO's backup, ensuring continuity of reporting, decision‑making, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 5+ years of accounting or cost accounting experience, preferably within manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing finance.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• CPA, CMA, or progress toward a professional certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing cost accounting activities, including standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost analysis.
• Analyze labor, material, and overhead variances while identifying cost‑saving opportunities.
• Own inventory accounting, reconciliations, cycle counts, and physical inventory processes.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, account reconciliations, and journal entries.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain to improve financial performance.
• Assist with annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic financial planning.
• Develop financial models, KPI reporting, and operational performance metrics.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Ensure the integrity of financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards.
• Serve as the CFO's backup by assisting with financial reporting, operational decision‑making, and day‑to‑day finance leadership when the CFO is unavailable.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across finance and manufacturing operations.

Skills

Analytical

Problem solving

Organizational abilities

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

One of my manufacturing clients is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Accountant to partner directly with the CFO in a highly visible role. This position offers the opportunity to influence financial decision-making, support operational leadership, and serve as the CFO's primary backup when they are out of the office or traveling for business.

This is an outstanding opportunity for someone looking to expand beyond traditional cost accounting into broader financial leadership with significant professional development and long-term career growth potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing cost accounting activities, including standard costing, inventory valuation, and cost analysis
• Analyze labor, material, and overhead variances while identifying cost‑saving opportunities
• Own inventory accounting, reconciliations, cycle counts, and physical inventory processes
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, account reconciliations, and journal entries
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain to improve financial performance
• Assist with annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic financial planning
• Develop financial models, KPI reporting, and operational performance metrics
• Support internal and external audits
• Ensure the integrity of financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards
• Serve as the CFO's backup by assisting with financial reporting, operational decision‑making, and day‑to‑day finance leadership when the CFO is unavailable
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across finance and manufacturing operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required
• 5+ years of accounting or cost accounting experience, preferably within manufacturing
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing finance
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Proven analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively with both finance and operational leadership
• CPA, CMA, or progress toward a professional certification is a plus

Ideal Background

This opportunity is well suited for candidates currently working as a:

• Senior Cost Accountant
• Cost Accounting Manager
• Senior Manufacturing Accountant
• Manufacturing Finance Manager
• Senior Accountant with manufacturing cost accounting responsibilities

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Direct mentorship and daily interaction with the CFO
• Opportunity to serve as the CFO's trusted backup and gain executive‑level exposure
• High visibility across operations and executive leadership
• Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Stable, growing manufacturing organization where your contributions will directly impact business performance