Cost Accounting Manager

Cost Accounting Manager Setting/Hours: 100% In-Office | Full-timeJoin trak group in partnering with a growing client in Lebanon, Ohio that’s expanding its Accounting team.  Position Summary:We are seeking an experienced Cost Accounting Manager to lead product costing, inventory valuation, and margin analysis within a dynamic manufacturing environment. This highly visible role partners closely with Operations, Finance, and Executive Leadership to provide critical financial insights that support pricing strategies, operational improvements, budgeting, and long-term business decisions. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise with a hands-on approach and a deep understanding of manufacturing operations and cost drivers. Key Responsibilities:

• Own and manage the product costing function, ensuring accurate cost of goods sold, inventory valuation, and margin reporting.
• Calculate and analyze direct material, direct labor, and overhead costs to support financial reporting and operational decision-making.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve costing methodologies, systems, and procedures.
• Partner with Operations leadership to improve cost accuracy, identify efficiencies, and support process improvements.
• Analyze manufacturing costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction and profitability improvement.
• Establish and maintain labor, variable overhead, and fixed overhead allocation methodologies.
• Build forecasting models to support budgeting, planning, and operational decision-making.
• Develop and maintain reporting related to product costs, gross margins, and price-volume-mix-cost (PVMC) analysis.
• Evaluate inventory levels, production requirements, and reserve methodologies to support effective inventory management.
• Lead month-end and year-end inventory-related close activities, including reconciliations, cycle counts, and physical inventories.
• Provide cost analysis and reporting support for engineering, sales, operations, and leadership teams.
• Prepare ad hoc financial analyses and reports to support strategic business initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 10 years of cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Extensive experience with product costing, inventory accounting, and margin analysis.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, average costing, and activity-based costing methodologies.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes and operational cost drivers.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience utilizing ERP systems for financial reporting and analysis.
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while influencing and collaborating across multiple levels of the organization.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification such as CPA or CMA preferred.
• Experience with manufacturing-focused ERP systems, including Syteline or similar platforms.
• Experience designing or improving cost accounting systems, reporting structures, and methodologies.
• Background supporting continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or operational excellence initiatives.
• Experience performing and presenting detailed PVMC (Price, Volume, Mix, Cost) analyses to business stakeholders.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Hands-on accounting leader who enjoys partnering with operations to drive business results.
• Strong communicator capable of translating complex financial data into actionable business insights.
• Process-oriented professional with a passion for continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Strategic thinker who can balance detailed financial analysis with broader business objectives.
• Self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $110K to $130K + Discretionary Bonus - Competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work in a highly visible role with direct impact on profitability, operational performance, and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and business growth.
• Exposure to executive leadership and opportunities to influence key business initiatives.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and want to make an impact, partner with trak group to explore this opportunity.