Cost Accountant

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

About The Position

The Controller’s Office is seeking a Cost Accountant to provide financial and accounting support for the development and oversight of service center rates. This role is responsible for reviewing expenditure and recovery data to ensure service center activities reflect actual costs and usage of services or products.

Requirements

Relevant education and/or professional experience in accounting, auditing, or cost analysis, including preparation of cost studies
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (e.g., pivot tables, formulas) and Access (e.g., queries), to aggregate and analyze data
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to compile, investigate, reconcile, and evaluate financial data accurately
Ability to interpret and apply state, federal, and university policies, regulations, and guidelines
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within established procedures while exercising sound judgment to resolve routine issues and make independent, well-reasoned decisions or recommendations
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to providing high-quality customer service and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field
Professional experience in accounting, cost control, or job costing, with a strong understanding of standard cost development principles
Demonstrated ability to develop and present financial reports for management and/or external stakeholders
Experience using data query and analysis tools (e.g., SQL, SAS, or Microsoft Access)
Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) financial systems, such as Banner Finance

Responsibilities

Collecting and analyzing service center financial data to support rate development and monitoring
Reviewing interdepartmental service requests (ISRs) to ensure approved rates are applied accurately and supporting documentation is complete; resolving discrepancies in collaboration with service center personnel
Assisting service center staff in gathering and preparing data required for rate development worksheets
Analyzing service center costs and recommending rates, supported by well-documented workpapers, to the Cost Accounting Senior or Manager
Maintaining organized electronic records and ensuring proper documentation retention
Supporting special projects that advance the Controller’s Office mission to deliver high-quality, efficient, and effective financial management services to the university