Manufacturing Cost Accountant (H/F)

Position Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented Manufacturing Cost Accountant with 1–2 years of experience to support cost accounting and financial analysis within a manufacturing environment. The role focuses heavily on variance analysis (material, labor, and overhead) to provide actionable insights that improve plant performance, cost control, and profitability. Key Responsibilities 1. Variance Analysis (Core Focus) • Prepare and analyze monthly cost variances between actual and standard costs (material, labor, and overhead). • Investigate root causes of variances (e.g., scrap, inefficiencies, price fluctuations) and provide clear explanations to management. • Partner with operations, production, and engineering teams to identify corrective actions and cost improvements. • Monitor and report production, purchase price, and usage variances to highlight trends and risks. 2. Cost Accounting & Product Costing • Assist in maintaining standard costing systems, including updating Bills of Materials (BOM) and routing assumptions. • Support product costing and margin analysis for existing and new products. • Track and analyze manufacturing costs (raw materials, labor, overhead). • Validate cost of goods sold (COGS) and ensure accurate inventory valuation. 3. Month-End Close & Reporting • Participate in month-end close activities, including journal entries, inventory adjustments, and WIP reconciliation. • Prepare cost reports, variance reports, and gross margin analysis for plant leadership. • Reconcile inventory accounts and support financial reporting accuracy. 4. Inventory & Operational Support • Assist with physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and inventory audits. • Monitor inventory movements and accuracy of production transactions. • Analyze production efficiency, including labor utilization and scrap rates. 5. Budgeting & Continuous Improvement • Support budgeting and forecasting for manufacturing costs. • Identify cost reduction opportunities and recommend process improvements. • Help improve costing processes, controls, and reporting accuracy. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. • 1–2 years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, or financial analysis. • Exposure to standard costing and variance analysis required. • Experience with ERP systems (Business Central, Navision, SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, etc.) preferred. • Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, data analysis). Key Skills & Competencies • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills • Ability to interpret cost variances and translate into operational actions • Knowledge of manufacturing processes and cost drivers • Effective cross-functional communication with operations and finance teams • High attention to detail and accuracy Preferred Attributes • Internship or early-career experience in a plant or manufacturing environment • Familiarity with inventory accounting and WIP tracking • Exposure to lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives Success Metrics for the Role • Accuracy and timeliness of variance reporting • Quality of root-cause analysis and recommendations • Improvements in cost visibility and operational decision support • Reduction in unexplained or recurring cost variances

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. • 1–2 years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing accounting, or financial analysis. • Exposure to standard costing and variance analysis required. • Experience with ERP systems (Business Central, Navision, SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, etc.) preferred. • Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, data analysis).