Senior Cost Accountant

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain standard costing processes, including cost freezing and ensuring accuracy across BOMs and routings within JDE
• Lead and execute the annual cost roll process, validating cost components and resolving discrepancies prior to cost freeze
• Establish, review, and update labor and overhead rates in collaboration with operations and HR
• Oversee and execute month-end cost accounting close activities, including work order closures and WIP reconciliation in JDE
• Ensure accurate cost allocation and proper posting of manufacturing transactions within the ERP system
• Analyze manufacturing variances, including Job Cost Variance (JCV), Purchase Price Variance (PPV), and other plant KPIs
• Compare standard costs to actual production costs; investigate, explain, and document significant variances
• Prepare and present detailed variance and performance reports to plant and senior management
• Provide actionable recommendations to improve cost efficiency, margins, and operational performance
• Perform advanced financial modeling and ad hoc analysis to support business and operational decisions
• Coordinate cost accounting and reporting activities to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal financial policies across all cost accounting activities
• Perform account reconciliations, balance sheet reviews, and support general ledger activities during period close
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure proper documentation for audit readiness
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external audits
• Oversee and coordinate physical inventory counts and fixed asset verification processes
• Manage and monitor cycle count programs, ensuring timely posting and reconciliation within JDE
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies in collaboration with operations and supply chain teams
• Partner with estimators and production teams to ensure alignment on costing assumptions and inventory valuation
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives across costing, reporting, and inventory processes
• Enhance ERP (JDE) utilization and support system improvements related to costing and financial reporting
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and contribute to strengthening financial governance frameworks
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with operations, supply chain, and finance teams
• Provide guidance and informal mentorship to junior team members where applicable

Skills

• Strong knowledge of cost accounting and GAAP principles
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into actionable business insights
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and prioritization abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, financial modeling)
• Continuous improvement mindset with a proactive, results-driven approach
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and cost drivers

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required)
• Professional qualification (required) CPA, CA, or ICWA certification
• 5–8+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven expertise in standard costing, variance analysis, inventory accounting, and period-close processes
• Hands-on experience with JD Edwards (JDE EnterpriseOne) preferred:
• + Manufacturing Accounting, Cost Ledger, General Ledger, and Inventory modules
• Oracle ERP experience considered equivalent
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial modelling)

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