Cost Accountant, Manufacturing Advancement

INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LEARNING AND RESEARCH • Danville, VA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

You will serve as a trusted financial partner to Manufacturing Advancement leadership, providing timely, accurate, and actionable insights that support both day‑to-day operations and long‑term strategy. In this role, you will build and maintain financial models, strengthen cost transparency, and support revenue planning across manufacturing, grant‑funded, and contract-based programs. You’ll collaborate closely with operational leaders and the Finance team to improve forecasting accuracy, evaluate financial risks and opportunities, and ensure disciplined cost accounting practices that drive informed decision‑making and operational confidence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field
• At least five (5) years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or program/project financial management
• Strong expertise in cost accounting, inventory valuation, and variance analysis
• Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills, including expert level Excel proficiency
• Experience with financial ERP systems and manufacturing or operational finance environments

Nice To Haves

• CPA, CMA, or similar professional certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Building and maintaining financial models that support forecasting, variance analysis, and estimate at completion
• Providing cost accounting insight for manufacturing operations, including product costing, inventory valuation, and profitability analysis
• Supporting budgeting, revenue planning, and proposal development with accurate cost estimates
• Preparing clear variance and performance reports that translate financial data into actionable insights
• Partnering with Finance and operational leaders to ensure proper cost attribution, controls, and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) with employer match
• Generous time off, including vacation, paid sick leave, and paid family leave after one year
• Paid holidays, including a two week paid winter break
• Anthem PPO and HSA health plans, with excellent dental options
• Employer paid life insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level