Cost Accounting Manager

Ellsworth Corporation•Germantown, WI

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ellsworth Corporation, a global, industry-leading distributor of specialty chemicals and equipment and adhesive manufacturer, is seeking a Cost Accounting Manager. This role oversees multiple business units and is a critical strategic position within our leadership team as we continue to grow globally. Candidates should be able to work on-site/hybrid out of our location in Germantown, WI. The Cost Accounting Manager leads all cost accounting activities for assigned manufacturing or distribution business units. This role ensures accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis while maintaining compliance with accounting policies and internal controls. The position provides actionable insights to improve profitability and operational efficiency, supports strategic pricing decisions, and drives cost transparency across the organization. Collaborating closely with plant leadership, supply chain, commercial, and corporate finance teams, the Cost Accounting Manager plays a key role in reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Requirements

5+ years of experience with cost accounting within manufacturing or distribution environments
3+ years of supervisory or management experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
Ability to assess disparate processes across facilities, identify best practices, and project manage the implementation of consistent procedures across plants.
Strong business acumen with ability to build effective relationships with operations, supply chain, and commercial teams to influence cost and pricing decisions.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex cost data into actionable insights clearly and effectively to all levels of the organization.
Advanced proficiency in Excel, ERP platforms and reporting systems
Commitment to continuous development, including personal growth and supporting the development of team members.
Uses influence effectively to challenge assumptions, encourage broader thinking, and drive thoughtful decision making within the business.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred

Responsibilities

Leads all cost-related activities for month-end close, including preparation of journal entries, reconciliations, cost and margin reporting, and variance analysis
Maintains and updates standard cost systems; analyzes material, labor, and overhead variances to support operational and financial decisions; enhances and implements system improvements as needed
Prepares and manages cost and inventory estimates (e.g., LIFO reserve, E&O reserve, overhead application reserve, inventory-in-transit) and oversees operational reporting for cycle count accuracy, labor efficiency, productivity, and scrap
Drives profitability improvement through cost analysis, spending reviews, and margin enhancement initiatives; influences pricing decisions and supports new product cost analysis
Leads initiatives to mitigate E&O exposure, improve inventory accuracy, enhance costing systems, optimize overhead methodologies and track cost savings
Provides financial expertise for evaluating ROI on business projects, documenting cost impacts, risks, and benefits to support capital investments and strategic initiatives