Sr Cost Accountant

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc.; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits starting day 1

Dental benefits starting day 1

Vision benefits starting day 1

401(k) plan

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. in Cary, NC is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant to support US Apertures plants. You will lead standard cost development, monitor variances, and ensure GAAP-compliant financial reporting across manufacturing operations.

This role requires hands-on analysis of material, labor, and overhead costs; you will partner with plant management to drive cost savings, perform month-end close, and support audits. A CPA is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of GAAP and cost accounting in manufacturing environments.
• Experience with standard costing and inventory accounting.
• Ability to analyze variances and drive cost improvements.
• ERP systems experience in a manufacturing setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and overhead.
• Calculate and monitor product costs, variances, and profitability by product line.
• Perform monthly cost rollups and standard cost updates; explain variances.
• Analyze cost trends and recommend actions to reduce costs and improve margins.
• Manage inventory accounting processes: valuation, reserves, reconciliation.
• Support month-end close related to inventory and manufacturing operations.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Assist audits and liaise with external auditors.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Manufacturing experience

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and Repair & Remodel (R&R) markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands’ broad, multi-channel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes more than 18,800 team members at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate stewardship and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibility are embedded in our culture. We are committed to contributing positively to the communities where we live, work and play. For more information, visit us athttp://cornerstonebuildingbrands.com .

Job Description

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for providing accounting support to our US Apertures manufacturing plants. This role will play a key role in the finance department, providing expertise and leadership in various accounting and financial functions. With a strong background in accounting principles and experience in the manufacturing industry, you will be responsible for ensuring accurate inventory accounting, financial reporting, analyzing financial data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support business decisions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead.
• Calculate and monitor product costs, manufacturing variances, and profitability by product line.
• Perform monthly cost rollups and standard cost updates; monitor and explain variances.
• Analyze cost trends and recommend actions to improve margins and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Manage inventory accounting processes, including valuation, reserves, and reconciliation.
• Ensure accurate accounting for raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventory.
• Assist physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies and inventory-related variances.
• Analyze production efficiency (MPO), labor utilization, scrap, waste, yield, and overhead absorption.
• Prepare and review manufacturing KPIs and operational performance metrics.
• Partner with plant management to identify and monitor cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
• Support month-end close activities related to inventory, cost of sales, and manufacturing operations.
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Analyze and explain manufacturing variances including:
  • Material price and usage variances
  • Labor rate and efficiency variances
  • Overhead spending and volume variances
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies
• Support the preparation of financial data for audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Support annual operating budgets and periodic forecasts for manufacturing operations.
• Develop production cost forecasts and spending plans.
• Monitor actual results against budget and explain significant variances.
• Serve as a key finance resource for ERP systems related to inventory and costing.
• Improve costing methodologies, reporting tools, and financial processes.
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, and automation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ plus years of accounting experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and lead a project team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA) is a plus but not mandatory.

Additional Information

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $80,000-$100,000 + bonus + medical, dental, vision benefits starting day 1 + 401k and PTO. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. (Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week.)

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Why work for Cornerstone Building Brands?

Our teams are at the heart of our purpose to positively contribute to the communities where welive, work and play. Full-time* team members receive** medical, dental and vision benefits starting day 1. Other benefits include PTO, paid holidays, FSA, life insurance, LTD, STD, 401k, EAP, discount programs, tuition reimbursement, training, and professional development.

*Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week. **Union programs may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement.

Cornerstone Building Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or status as a protected veteran. You can find the Equal Employment Opportunity Poster here . You can also view Your Right to Work Poster here along with This Organizations Participation in E-Verify Poster here .If you'd like to view a copy of the company's affirmative action planfor protected veterans or individuals with disabilities or policy statement, please contact Human Resources at 281-897-7788 or [e-mail]. If you have a disability and you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please contact Human Resources at 281-897-7788 or [e-mail]. This email is used exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only emails received for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.

Must be at least 18 years of age to apply.