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Senior Cost Accountant
Career Insights for Accountant (General)
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Based on California data
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What they do
An Accountant organizes and maintains financial records and prepares financial statements for companies and organizations. Works as a public accountant (prepares financial documents where public disclosure is required by law, such as business balance sheets and tax returns), management accountant (prepares financial information for internal use by a company) or government accountant (maintains records for government agencies).
$82,056 / year median in California
-25% projected decline
Job Description
- $100,000 a year 20 hours ago Qualifications Cost accounting analysis Inventory valuation Standard costing Valuation analysis Financial model development Manufacturing facility experience Bachelor's degree Accounting experience within manufacturing industry Managing accounting teams Manufacturing company experience
Full Job Description SUMMARY:
Senior Cost Accountant will lead our cost accounting function across both manufacturing and logistics operations. This individual will ensure the accuracy of cost models, drive operational insights, and provide leadership that enhances profitability, efficiency, and competitiveness. The ideal candidate will not only manage the numbers but also act as a business partner to operations, supply chain, and finance, aligning cost insights with broader strategic goals.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following reflects essential duties and responsibilities but is not all-inclusive. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign tasks as necessary: Cost Modeling & Control Develop, implement, and maintain robust standard costing models for materials, labor, overhead, and finished goods. Ensure accurate and consistent cost tracking methodologies across manufacturing and logistics. Drive enhancements in cost control processes, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and company policies. Oversee the monthly and quarterly closing processes related to cost accounting, including reconciliations, reporting, and analysis. Financial & Operational Analysis Analyze cost variances, trends, and KPIs to identify inefficiencies and areas of improvement. Partner with operations and supply chain teams to optimize throughput, productivity, and resource utilization. Lead the cost accounting function for budgets, forecasts, and capital project analyses, ensuring alignment with ROI expectations and operational excellence. Support inventory valuation, product margin analysis, and cost allocation methodologies. Strategic Partnership & Business Insights Translate cost data into actionable insights that influence pricing strategies, margin management, and long-term competitiveness. Act as a trusted advisor to senior management by providing forward-looking analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making. Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to drive cost efficiency initiatives, waste reduction programs, and continuous improvement projects. Provide input into strategic initiatives such as making vs. buy decisions, process automation, and logistics optimization. Reporting & Communication Prepare and present comprehensive cost reports to executive leadership, highlighting risks, opportunities, and recommendations. Develop and monitor key performance metrics to measure cost efficiency across production and logistics. Ensure clear, transparent, and timely communication of financial insights across the business.QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA/CMA preferred. 7+ years of progressive cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role. Strong knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and cost modeling. Experience in both manufacturing and logistics cost structures highly preferred. Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Deacom, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and advanced Excel/analytical tools. Proven track record of leading teams and developing high-performing accounting professionals. Strong communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.KEY COMPETENCIES
Leadership & Team Development- Ability to inspire, guide, and grow a team of professionals. Analytical Expertise
- Skilled at turning complex cost data into strategic insights. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Adept at partnering with operations, supply chain, and finance to achieve business goals. Results Orientation
- Proven ability to drive process improvements and deliver measurable impact on profitability. Business Acumen
- Deep understanding of manufacturing, logistics, and financial drivers. Leadership & Team Development
- Ability to inspire, guide, and grow a team of professionals. Analytical Expertise
- Skilled at turning complex cost data into strategic insights. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Adept at partnering with operations, supply chain, and finance to achieve business goals. Results Orientation
- Proven ability to drive process improvements and deliver measurable impact on profitability. Business Acumen
- Deep understanding of manufacturing, logistics, and financial drivers.