Cost Accountant

Kranz Consulting•Baxter Springs, KS

About The Position

The Sr Cost Accountant reports to the Controller and supports the Baxter Springs, Kansas facility, the organization’s largest manufacturing operation, which produces ultrahigh-pressure pumps and spare parts for waterjet cutting systems. The role manages day-to-day cost accounting activities and partners with the operations team and Controller on manufacturing performance, reporting accuracy, corrections, and variances. Working closely with operations and finance leadership, the Sr Cost Accountant helps improve processes, leverage technology, and support the facility’s growth. Responsibilities include manufacturing cost analysis, gross margin reporting, cost-system maintenance, inventory accuracy, production and price variance review, month-end accounting, and support for quotes, audits, and other accounting needs.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Accounting or equivalent work experience.
Proven background in a high-volume, multi-component manufacturing environment, managing complex bills of materials across thousands of SKUs.
Knowledge and understanding of manufacturing input costs, including material, labor, overhead, and outside processing.
Solid understanding of integrated ERP systems in a standard cost environment.
Intermediate to advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

Collect and study data with the manufacturing operations team to identify and drive improvements.
Analyze the cost effects of changes in product design, raw materials, manufacturing methods, or services, and support McCartney and ETO business with accurate quotes.
Prepare, analyze, and report monthly gross margin by customer, part number, and production job.
Analyze manufacturing costs and prepare reports comparing standard costs with actual production costs.
Monitor inventory adjustments and cycle counts; coach and train staff on counting techniques and ensure proper processes are followed in inventory-impact areas.
Control and maintain the cost accounting system, inputs, and records to ensure accurate standard product costs.
Research work order and labor reporting issues and work with supervisors to implement corrective actions.
Complete daily, weekly, and monthly reporting on manufacturing activity.
Review daily production and price variances, identify discrepancies, and make adjustments as needed.
Update costs accurately and promptly for new products and ECR change notices.
Conduct month-end processes and journal entries, including reconciling perpetual inventory to the general ledger, preparing reconciliations and management reports, and supporting audits.
Verify entries to the income statement and balance sheet.
Maintain obsolete inventory calculations and conduct disposal programs.
Develop updates for material, labor, overhead, and material burden rates, and conduct the annual cost roll.
Provide other accounting support as needed.