A Cost Accountant is a financial professional who specializes in analyzing, tracking, and reporting on business expenses to determine product costs and operational efficiency. This role provides critical insights that help organizations control spending, optimize pricing strategies, and improve overall profitability through detailed cost analysis and budgeting.
Hiring for this role?
POST THIS JOB FOR FREE
Find more suitable candidates for this role ?
TRY FOR FREE
What is a Cost Accountant?
A Cost Accountant is a specialized accounting professional focused on the detailed analysis of a company's costs associated with its operations, production, and services. They differ from general accountants by concentrating specifically on cost-related data rather than broader financial statements. These professionals work across various industries, particularly in manufacturing, construction, and production environments where understanding precise costs is essential for pricing decisions and profitability management. Cost Accountants serve as vital resources for management teams seeking to understand the financial impact of operational decisions and strategic initiatives.
What does a Cost Accountant do?
Cost Accountants perform several critical functions including collecting and analyzing data about operational expenses, calculating production costs, and preparing detailed reports on cost performance. They develop and maintain cost accounting systems and procedures, monitor inventory valuation, and analyze manufacturing costs to identify areas for efficiency improvements. These professionals also assist in budget preparation, perform variance analysis between actual and standard costs, and provide recommendations for cost reduction and process optimization. Additionally, they collaborate with production managers to establish standard costs and help determine pricing strategies based on thorough cost understanding.
Job Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented Cost Accountant to join our finance team. This role will be responsible for analyzing manufacturing costs, preparing budget reports, and ensuring accurate product costing. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in identifying cost-saving opportunities and supporting strategic financial decisions through detailed cost analysis and inventory valuation.
Cost Accountant responsibilities include:
1. Analyze manufacturing costs and prepare regular reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs
2. Perform month-end close activities related to cost accounting, including journal entries and account reconciliations
3. Maintain and update standard costs in the ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
4. Calculate and apply overhead rates to products using appropriate allocation methods
5. Monitor inventory transactions and conduct periodic physical inventory counts
6. Analyze variances in material, labor, and overhead costs
7. Support pricing decisions by providing accurate product cost information
8. Assist in the development and monitoring of annual operating budgets
9. Prepare detailed cost analyses for new products and process improvements
10. Collaborate with production and operations teams to identify cost reduction opportunities
1. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
2. 3+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment
3. Strong understanding of GAAP and cost accounting principles
4. Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP)
5. Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation
6. Ability to analyze financial data and prepare detailed reports
7. Excellent attention to detail and analytical problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
1. CPA or CMA certification
2. Experience with SAP, Oracle, or other major ERP systems
3. Background in process manufacturing or discrete manufacturing industries
4. Experience with cost accounting in a multi-plant environment
5. Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their financial impacts
6. Advanced degree in Accounting or Business Administration
7. Experience with financial modeling and forecasting techniques
Bonus Skills
1. Experience with implementation or optimization of cost accounting systems
2. Proficiency in data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)
3. Knowledge of international accounting standards (IFRS)
4. Experience with activity-based costing methodologies
5. Background in Six Sigma or process improvement initiatives
6. Familiarity with US manufacturing compliance requirements
7. Experience in supporting internal and external audit processes
Real-time search for over 900 million precise talents globally, covering more than 200 countries and regions.
All categories
Ready to Hire?
Real-time search for over 900 million precise talents globally, covering more than 200 countries and regions.
Are you ready to innovate your recruitment process?
Join thousands of leading companies and experience the next generation of intelligent recruitment
No credit card required ｜ 7-day full-featured trial ｜ Dedicated customer support
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered
Everything you need to know about TalentSeek and how itcan transform your hiring process.
What is TalentSeek
TalentSeek is an AI-powered global recruitment platform designed to make hiring talent worldwide faster, smarter, and more affordable. Powered by advanced AI Agents, TalentSeek helps companies effortlessly connect with top professionals across borders — breaking human network limits and reducing hiring costs. Start hiring globally with ease. One platform, endless talent.
Who can use TalentSeek ?
TalentSeek is built for recruiters. If you are searching for Global Talent or hard-to-find talent, TalentSeek is a fit for you. We work with companies ranging from Fortune 500 to boutique recruiting agencies — and hopefully, you too.
What distinguishes TalentSeek from other recruitment tools?
TalentSeek is an AI-driven global recruitment platform that enables real-time searching of over 900 million job seekers across more than 200 countries and regions. This platform empowers companies to effortlessly connect with top professionals beyond borders, breaking the limitations of personal networks and reducing hiring costs.
Does TalentSeek have access to global candidate data?
Yes. TalentSeek has 900 million profiles across the globe from dozens of data sources. Covers over 200 countries and regions worldwide.We continue to add region-specific sources to enhance global coverage.
Is there a free trial available for TalentSeek?
Yes. To get started, use the "Start for Free" button to open the platform. Then, sign up or log in to access your account.
