Cost Accountant Manager

Job Description: Position Summary The Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing all cost accounting functions for the manufacturing operations. This role ensures accurate product costing, inventory valuation, margin analysis, and financial reporting while supporting operational decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives. Key Responsibilities Cost Accounting & Analysis Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and overhead Perform variance analysis (material, labor, overhead) report and explain drivers to management Support pricing decisions through detailed cost and margin analysis Inventory & Manufacturing Accounting Oversee inventory valuation, including WIP, raw materials, and finished goods Ensure accurate inventory costing and reconciliation between sub-ledgers and the general ledger Monitor inventory reserves, obsolescence, and slow-moving inventory Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs Financial Reporting & Controls Prepare cost-related journal entries and monthly account reconciliations Support month-end and year-end close processes Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and company accounting policies Assist with internal and external audits related to inventory and manufacturing costs Budgeting & Forecasting Lead manufacturing cost budgeting and forecasting processes Partner with operations to develop labor, overhead, and capital expenditure forecasts Track actual results against budget and provide variance explanations Systems & Process Improvement Maintain and enhance cost accounting systems within ERP and manufacturing systems Improve costing methodologies and reporting accuracy Lead or support ERP implementations, upgrades, or system enhancements Leadership & Collaboration Manage and mentor cost accounting staff Collaborate with operations, supply chain, engineering, production, and IT teams Serve as a financial partner to business unit financial leader Qualifications Education & Certification Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required) CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification (preferred) Experience 5-8+ years of accounting experience, including cost accounting in a manufacturing environment Prior supervisory or management experience preferred Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting Technical Skills Strong knowledge of GAAP and manufacturing accounting practices Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar) Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial modeling Soft Skills Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication and presentation abilities Ability to partner cross-functionally and influence decision-making High attention to detail with the ability to meet deadlines Travel Travel up to 50% as required Company Benefits: • 2 Medical Plan Options - Base HSA (High Deductible) and Buy-Up Medical Plans • Prescription (Rx) Insurance • Health Savings Account (HSA) • 2 Dental Plan Options - Base Dental and Buy-Up Dental Plans • Vision Insurance • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA's) • Health Care FSA • Dependent Care FSA • Company Paid Base Life Insurance • Company Paid Accident, Death & Dismemberment Insurance • Company Paid Business Travel Accident Insurance • Company Paid Disability Insurance • Short-Term Disability (STD) and Base Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Voluntary Hospital, Accident & Critical Illness (Cancer) Insurance • 401(K) Retirement Plan with 50% Company Match • Voluntary Pet Insurance • Vacation and Personal/Sick Time • Paid Grandparent Leave • Paid Bonding Leave • Adoption Assistance • Education Assistance (Tuition Reimbursement) About Wastequip Wastequip got its start in 1989 with containers and compactors. But, today, we have evolved into so much more than just a manufacturer of high-quality steel containers and compactors. We are the waste industry's only All-in-One solutions provider - from carts and containers to collect waste to hoists and trash trucks to move the waste to parts, service and technology to keep your operation running smoothly. While we're proud to be North America's leading manufacturer of waste handling equipment, we are equally proud to be a driving force for enhanced sustainability across the waste industry. We are consistently striving to improve our own operations while making it easier for our customers to do the right thing - building a brighter future for all.