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.