Job Title: Cost AccountantJob Description
The Cost Accountant supports organizational goals by maintaining and continuously improving the cost accounting system, performing general accounting functions, and providing accurate, timely financial data to support sound business decisions. This role works closely with operations, finance, and other stakeholders in a complex manufacturing environment to ensure meaningful cost information, robust analysis, and effective financial controls.
Responsibilities
Demonstrate strong alignment with organizational values and a commitment to delivering high-quality products and processes.
Apply in-depth knowledge of products and manufacturing processes to serve as an effective consultant on business decisions related to cost accounting.
Provide financial input and analysis to support sound business decisions for current and future business opportunities.
Maintain and continuously improve the standard cost accounting system to ensure accurate, timely, and meaningful cost information for users.
Plan, collect, and analyze data to determine costs of business activities, including raw material purchases, inventory, and labor.
Provide timely and accurate cost estimates for non-standard products to the sales team, targeting a turnaround time of no more than 24 hours or as requested.
Prepare timely and accurate reporting and valuation of off-quality material (such as scrap) and other cost variances on a daily, weekly, monthly, or as-requested basis.
Perform daily and weekly review of job costs and cost journals in the general ledger, continuously monitoring and correcting job costs through variance analysis.
Provide cost information for new products in development through the New Product Development (NPD) Stage Gate Process, including financial justification and WIR reporting for R&D.
Compile monthly and ad hoc management reports, including product line data, scrap data, inventory, process engineering metrics, experimental costs, and purchase price variances.
Train applicable team members to effectively use costing tools within the ERP system (Syteline).
Lead and perform the annual standard cost roll, collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure an effective and accurate process.
Perform scheduled physical inventory counts of finished goods and adjust valuation on a monthly basis for various stages of inventory, including Finished Goods, Manufactured Sub-assemblies, Stock, and Work in Process.
Prepare various account reconciliations on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Maintain fixed assets within the ERP system (Syteline), including accounting for new additions, asset disposals, and related reporting as assigned.
Maintain operating and finance leases in Lease Query, including accounting for new lease agreements and expirations in accordance with applicable requirements.
Support the annual budgeting and planning process by providing cost data, analysis, and other financial input as needed.
Support and participate in periodic internal and external audits as scheduled, providing documentation and explanations as required.
Participate in cross-training with other accounting and finance team members and act as a backup during peak activity periods or team member absences.
Analyze sales profit margins as needed, identify root causes of variances, and provide recommendations or insights to management.
Travel occasionally, up to approximately 10%, to support other operations or attend meetings, as required.
Essential Skills
Minimum 5 years of cost accounting experience in a complex manufacturing environment.
Bachelor's degree in accounting.
Strong cost accounting, general accounting, and general ledger experience.
Proficiency in cost analysis, including variance analysis and margin analysis.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and moderate proficiency with other Microsoft Office applications.
Highly functional ERP software skills, with experience in Syteline preferred.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with team members at all levels.
Effective time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
Eligibility to obtain any required authorizations under applicable US export regulations, including ITAR 120.15 and EAR Part 772.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working with standard cost systems in a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with New Product Development (NPD) processes and Stage Gate methodologies.
Experience preparing and analyzing product line, scrap, inventory, and purchase price variance reports.
Experience training others on ERP costing tools and processes.
Experience maintaining fixed asset records within an ERP system.
Experience managing operating and finance leases using tools such as Lease Query.
Ability to support budgeting, planning, and audit processes.
Ability to perform physical activities related to travel, including driving, moving through airports, and flying for travel of up to approximately 10%.
Work Environment
This role is primarily based in an office environment and works closely with an on-site finance and accounting team. The position involves sitting at a desk for up to 8 hours per day, as well as regularly walking through both office and industrial areas to troubleshoot issues and support projects. Typical physical requirements include frequent sitting, standing, walking, and fine motor activities, with occasional bending and climbing, and intermittent lifting of up to 10 pounds. The work environment includes interaction with an industrial manufacturing setting, requiring comfort in both office and production areas. Occasional travel, up to approximately 10%, may be required to support other operations or attend meetings.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kent, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Kent,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 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.
