Senior Cost Accountant IV

Superior Skilled Trades; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Superior Skilled Trades seeks a Senior Cost Accountant to lead cost accounting and inventory functions in a high-growth manufacturing/R&D environment. You will own month-end close, budgeting, and financial reporting, driving process improvements and profitability through accurate cost data and strong cross-functional collaboration.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in cost accounting, a manufacturing mindset, ERP proficiency, and excellent analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience in manufacturing or R&D.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Understanding of manufacturing environments and financial processes.
• Knowledge of supply chain operations, inventory flow, and production processes.
• Ability to analyze ERP transactions and communicate findings clearly.
• Strong understanding of financial, distribution, and manufacturing systems.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and business judgment skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective project management, organization, and time management.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing cost accounting activities, including month-end close and cost maintenance.
• Oversee inventory management, cycle counts, and freight/duty tracking.
• Collaborate with Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering on cost drivers and processes.
• Develop and improve accounting processes for accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to reduce labor and overhead costs and improve profitability.
• Monitor cycle counting procedures and inventory accuracy with Inventory Control and Internal Audit.
• Perform detailed variance analysis including price discrepancies and cost revaluations.
• Ensure ERP data accuracy through audits and coordination with production teams.
• Lead ERP process enhancements and support system scalability.
• Partner with FP&A on budgets, forecasts, and forward-looking plans.
• Maintain BOM accuracy and evaluate cost-reduction initiatives.

Skills

Accounting

Manufacturing accounting

ERP systems

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

DIRECT HIRE: The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for leading and supporting the company's cost accounting and inventory functions. This position plays an important role in month-end close, budgeting, financial reporting, and business decision-making. Key responsibilities include maintaining accurate manufacturing costs, overseeing inventory controls and cycle counts, analyzing financial variances, improving accounting processes, and identifying opportunities to increase operational efficiency and profitability.

The ideal candidate brings strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across departments in a fast-paced, high-growth manufacturing or R&D environment.

Salary Range: $140K - $150K (depending on experience)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing cost accounting activities, including month-end close, cost maintenance, labor and overhead absorption, inventory management, and freight and duty tracking.




• Establish strong working relationships with Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering to understand business processes, operational drivers, costs, and revenue.




• Develop, implement, and improve accounting processes, with an emphasis on change management, accuracy, and operational efficiency.




• Identify opportunities to improve labor and overhead costs, strengthen cost structures, and increase overall profitability.




• Partner with Inventory Control and Internal Audit teams to monitor and improve cycle counting procedures and inventory accuracy.




• Perform detailed variance analysis, including purchase price variances, cost revaluations, invoice-to-purchase-order price discrepancies, and work order variances.




• Ensure ERP data accuracy through financial analysis, internal audits, and coordination with inventory control, production, and work order processing teams.




• Lead ERP process enhancements and support system scalability as business processes and requirements evolve.




• Collaborate with Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) to identify cost drivers and develop models for budgets, forecasts, and forward-looking business plans.




• Partner with FP&A and Engineering to maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and evaluate the financial impact of cost-reduction initiatives.




• Maintain process integrity across manufacturing, intercompany, and inventory functions while working with cross-functional teams to resolve issues.




• Prepare accounting schedules and supporting documentation for internal and external reporting requirements.




• Support monthly budget-versus-actual analysis, audits, and internal control compliance.




• Build strong relationships with business partners and accounting peers, serving as a trusted resource for financial reporting and operational decision-making.




• Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive financial and organizational information.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing and/or R&D environment.




• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.




• Understanding of manufacturing environments and associated financial processes.




• Knowledge of supply chain operations, receiving, inventory flow, production processes, and manufacturing principles.




• Ability to analyze detailed ERP transactions and clearly communicate findings to management.




• Strong understanding of financial, distribution, and manufacturing systems.




• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and business judgment skills.




• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.




• Strong written and verbal communication skills.




• Effective project management, organization, and time management abilities.




• Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage competing priorities in a complex, high-growth organization.




• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing business needs and processes.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and/or Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Experience working for a publicly traded company.
Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
Experience supporting financial reporting functions.