Job Title: Cost Accounting ManagerJob Description
The Cost Accounting Manager oversees the daily operations of the cost accounting function, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of inventory, including excess and obsolete reserves. This role partners closely with manufacturing sites to support, analyze, and review budgets to drive maximum cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. The manager prepares and presents key financial insights, including cost reports, variance analysis, and profitability assessments, to senior leadership. The position focuses on identifying and recommending cost-saving initiatives, while implementing and maintaining robust cost accounting systems and strategies to ensure accurate financial reporting. The Cost Accounting Manager will also provide leadership and guidance to a cost accountant direct report.
Responsibilities
Oversee the daily operations of the cost accounting function to ensure accurate and timely financial information.
Manage the tracking and reporting of inventory, including excess and obsolete (E&O) reserves, to support reliable financial statements.
Partner with manufacturing sites to support, analyze, and review budgets with a focus on cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Prepare detailed cost reports, variance analyses, and profitability assessments for senior leadership.
Analyze labor, overhead, and absorption costs to support decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.
Establish, document, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) within the plant to strengthen cost accounting processes.
Maintain and enhance standard cost models and bills of materials to ensure accurate product costing.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend cost-saving initiatives to improve overall financial performance.
Implement and maintain robust cost accounting systems and strategies within a large-scale ERP environment.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide financial insights that support operational and strategic decisions.
Use advanced Excel tools such as pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and INDEX MATCH to analyze large data sets and generate meaningful insights.
Lead, mentor, and develop a cost accountant direct report, providing guidance, feedback, and support.
Ensure compliance with internal controls and company policies related to cost accounting and inventory management.
Continuously review and improve cost accounting processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
At least 5 years of standard costing experience.
At least 5 years of cost analysis experience, including labor, overhead, and absorption.
At least 5 years of experience managing and tracking inventory.
Experience establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs) within a plant environment.
Strong knowledge of cost accounting, variance analysis, cost analysis, bills of materials, standard cost, and inventory accounting.
Ability to create and use pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and INDEX MATCH functions in Excel.
Proficiency with large-scale ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Infor, SyteLine, Workday, SAGE, or Microsoft Dynamics.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on accuracy and detail.
Ability to communicate financial insights clearly to non-financial stakeholders and senior leadership.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with manufacturing and cross-functional teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with SyteLine ERP is a plus.
Experience using Power BI for reporting and data visualization is desirable.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation is an advantage.
Experience creating and using macros in Excel is beneficial.
Prior experience leading or supervising cost accounting staff is helpful.
Demonstrated ability to drive process improvements and cost-saving initiatives.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Work Environment
This role follows a hybrid work schedule with three days in the office and two days working from home each week, with flexibility to choose the two remote days. The position operates in a manufacturing-focused environment and requires close collaboration with plant and operations teams. The role involves working extensively with large-scale ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Infor, SyteLine, Workday, SAGE, or Microsoft Dynamics, as well as advanced Excel tools for data analysis and reporting. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package and a strong paid time off plan, supporting work-life balance. The work setting emphasizes professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with a focus on leveraging technology and data to enhance cost efficiency and financial performance.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Reading, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $110000.00/yr.
Good PTO and healthcare benefits. Candidates can request the healthcare plan document.
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Reading,PA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 28, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
