Cost Accountant

About the job Cost Accountant Cost Accountant - Waverly, Iowa Transparent Search Group has been retained to identify a Cost Accountant for a manufacturing company based in Waverly, Iowa. This is an on-site role suited for an experienced accounting professional with a solid foundation in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment. Candidates must be local to the area or willing to relocate within Iowa, as relocation assistance is not available for this position. Responsibilities Maintain and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead Perform month-end close activities including journal entries and account reconciliations Investigate and report on manufacturing variances, identifying root causes and trends Support inventory valuation, cycle counts, and physical inventory processes Prepare cost analyses to support pricing decisions and operational improvements Collaborate with production and operations teams to ensure accurate cost data Assist in the development of annual budgets and forecasts Generate regular financial reports for management review Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field Five or more years of accounting experience, with demonstrated strength in cost accounting Prior experience in a manufacturing environment is required Proficiency with ERP systems and strong Excel skills Solid understanding of inventory accounting and variance analysis Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities Effective communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally Why This Opportunity Our client offers a stable, established manufacturing environment where the Cost Accountant will have meaningful visibility into plant operations and a direct impact on financial decision-making. The compensation for this role is up to $115,000, commensurate with experience. This is a suitable next step for an accounting professional looking to deepen their cost accounting expertise in a focused, hands-on role. Candidates local to Waverly, Iowa or elsewhere in Iowa are encouraged to apply.