Sr Cost Accountant

Cornerstone Building Brands•Auburn, WA

8d•$80,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for providing accounting support to our US Apertures manufacturing plants. This role will play a key role in the finance department, providing expertise and leadership in various accounting and financial functions. With a strong background in accounting principles and experience in the manufacturing industry, you will be responsible for ensuring accurate inventory accounting, financial reporting, analyzing financial data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support business decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
3+ plus years of accounting experience in the manufacturing industry.
Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.
Experience with ERP systems, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
Ability to work independently and lead a project team in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
All Microsoft Office products proficiency desired.

Nice To Haves

Professional certification (e.g., CPA) is a plus but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead.
Calculate and monitor product costs, manufacturing variances, and profitability by product line.
Perform monthly cost rollups and standard cost updates; monitor and explain variances.
Analyze cost trends and recommend actions to improve margins and reduce manufacturing costs.
Manage inventory accounting processes, including valuation, reserves, and reconciliation.
Ensure accurate accounting for raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventory.
Assist physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies and inventory-related variances.
Analyze production efficiency (MPO), labor utilization, scrap, waste, yield, and overhead absorption.
Prepare and review manufacturing KPIs and operational performance metrics.
Partner with plant management to identify and monitor cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
Support month-end close activities related to inventory, cost of sales, and manufacturing operations.
Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
Analyze and explain manufacturing variances including: Material price and usage variances, Labor rate and efficiency variances, Overhead spending and volume variances.
Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.
Support the preparation of financial data for audits and liaise with external auditors.
Support annual operating budgets and periodic forecasts for manufacturing operations.
Develop production cost forecasts and spending plans.
Monitor actual results against budget and explain significant variances.
Serve as a key finance resource for ERP systems related to inventory and costing.
Improve costing methodologies, reporting tools, and financial processes.
Participate in system implementations, upgrades, and automation initiatives.