Cost Accounting Manager

A leading multi-unit organization is seeking a Cost Accounting Manager to oversee its end-to-end cost accounting function across multiple business units and centralized production operations.

This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of cost reporting, inventory valuation, standard costing, and margin analysis. It plays a key role in cost control, pricing support, and operational efficiency initiatives.

The position works closely with Finance, Supply Chain, Operations, and Product teams to deliver timely, data-driven insights that support profitability and scalable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Cost Accounting & Control

• Develop, implement, and maintain standard costing for products, materials, and centralized outputs.
• Analyze actual costs against standards; investigate variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure accurate allocation of shared and indirect costs across multiple business units.

Inventory Management

• Oversee periodic inventory counts across multiple locations; validate results and resolve discrepancies.
• Establish and enforce policies on stock management, including rotation, obsolescence, and wastage control.
• Partner with Supply Chain to ensure accurate inventory valuation and reconciliation.

Product & Production Costing

• Collaborate with Product and Operations teams on new product costing, bill of materials (BOM) standardization, and profitability analysis.
• Provide cost impact assessments for pricing changes, promotions, and production adjustments.

Reporting & Analysis

• Deliver timely and accurate cost reports, including cost ratios, yield analysis, variance reports, and contribution margins.
• Develop dashboards and performance tracking tools across business units.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes related to direct and indirect costs.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Drive automation and continuous improvement of costing and reporting processes through ERP and BI tools.
• Standardize costing methodologies and inventory controls across locations.
• Recommend best practices for inter-unit transfer pricing and cost monitoring.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and company policies on cost accounting and inventory management.
• Support audit requirements by providing accurate schedules, documentation, and reconciliations.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a team of cost accounting professionals.
• Promote a culture of accountability, operational discipline, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Finance, or a related field
• CPA preferred but not required

Experience

• 7–8 years of progressive experience in cost accounting within a multi-unit or production-driven environment
• Proven experience managing cost control and inventory across multiple locations
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or equivalent) and costing modules

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong expertise in standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory management
• Experience in product costing, yield analysis, and operational cost control
• Advanced analytical and financial modeling capabilities
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills

Behavioral Competencies

• Detail-oriented with strong execution focus
• High level of integrity and accountability
• Proactive, solutions-driven mindset

Core Competencies

• Cost Accounting & Variance Analysis
• Inventory Management & Control
• Product Costing & Profitability Analysis
• Financial Planning & Decision Support
• Leadership & Team Development