Cost Accountant

COST ACCOUNTANT

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Cost Accountant is a hands-on individual contributor responsible for product costs, inventory records, and manufacturing cost information within a high-mix metals manufacturing business. Reporting to the Group Controller, this person will maintain standard costs, reconcile inventory, analyze production jobs, and partner with operations to ensure financial information reflects actual production activity.

Cost accounting represents approximately 70–80% of the role initially, with additional general accounting responsibilities as processes become more efficient. This staff-level opportunity offers direct collaboration with finance leadership and requires no managerial experience

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain standard costs and analyze material, labor, and overhead costs to support accurate inventory valuation and manufacturing reporting.
• Review production jobs, investigate cost variances, and partner with operations to confirm labor hours and production activity are recorded accurately.
• Reconcile inventory transactions and account balances, investigate discrepancies, and resolve issues with accounting and operations colleagues.
• Support month-end close through inventory reporting, journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations; provide general ledger, AP, and AR support as assigned.
• Analyze labor and overhead rates, monitor overhead absorption, and support periodic rate reviews and updates.
• Use Epicor to understand and validate transaction flows, document recurring workflows, and partner with the Group Controller to improve accounting accuracy, efficiency, and controls

REQUIREMENTS

• Accounting Foundation: Early-career candidates through professionals with approximately five years of relevant experience will be considered. Cost accounting experience is valued; strong fundamentals and learning ability will be considered for candidates beginning their careers.
• Manufacturing Exposure: Manufacturing cost accounting experience is preferred for experienced candidates. Earlier career candidates may come from other industries; metals experience is not required.
• Analytical & Systems Ability: Able to investigate discrepancies and connect production activity with accounting results. ERP familiarity is valued; Epicor experience is helpful but not required.
• Collaborative Working Style: Detail-oriented, dependable, comfortable asking questions, and able to work effectively with finance and operations.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or similar is required.

COMPENSATION

A meaningful compensation package will be developed for the successful candidate that includes a base salary plus performance-based bonus.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter, preferably in MS Word format, to Derek Bush dbush@harvardsearch.com A fully detailed, formal specification will be sent to “top-level”, qualified candidates.