Description:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Manufacturing Cost Accountant to join our finance team. This role is critical to accurately tracking, analyzing, and reporting on costs associated with specific production jobs. By monitoring direct material, labor, and overhead costs, this position provides valuable insights to improve job profitability, support financial reporting, and guide operational decision-making.
Ideal candidates will have experience in a job-shop or custom manufacturing environment (such as cabinetry or millwork) and thrive in a collaborative setting where accuracy and attention to detail are key.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CMA designation preferred.
• 3+ years of progressive accounting and job cost experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles and inventory management.
• Proficiency in financial management systems and ERP software. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis tools.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly across production, sales, and executive teams.
• High attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of GAAP and standard cost accounting principles.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Cost Tracking and Analysis

• Track Costs: Record and monitor all direct material, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead costs for individual production jobs.
• Variance Analysis: Compare actual job costs against standard or budgeted costs, investigate variances, and identify cost drivers or inefficiencies.
• Job Cost Sheets: Maintain detailed and up-to-date job cost sheets as the central record for all job-specific expenditures.
• Cost Systems: Maintain and improve the accuracy of the cost accounting system in alignment with company policy and accounting standards.

Inventory Management

• Inventory Valuation: Determine and assign accurate costs to finished goods and work-in-progress (WIP).
• Physical Counts: Participate in inventory counts and reconciliation activities.
• Inventory Control: Ensure accuracy of inventory records and investigate discrepancies to maintain integrity of financial data.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Reporting: Prepare job cost reports, variance reports, and inventory analysis for management and operations teams.
• Month-End Close: Assist in the close process by preparing journal entries and reconciling job cost and inventory accounts.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Contribute to budget development and forecasting for job and production costs.
• Decision Support: Provide actionable insights on cost trends, pricing analysis, production efficiency, and margin improvement.

Additional Responsibilities

• Standard Costing: Develop and maintain standard costs for key materials, labor rates, and overhead allocations.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities across production, procurement, and workflow processes.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, operations, and purchasing to validate job cost data and ensure accuracy.
• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by Controller.

Requirements: