Cost Accountant

Job Summary

The Lead Cost Accountant will be responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and controlling costs related to manufacturing operations. This role is critical in ensuring accurate cost recording, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making support. The ideal candidate will have experience in cost accounting within an automotive manufacturing environment and be proficient in Epicor ERP and data analysis tools.

Key Responsibilities

1. Production Cost Calculation

Calculate direct and indirect costs for manufactured products and services, including materials, labor, and overhead. Develop and maintain detailed cost reports, cost databases, and cost structures. Support pricing and margin analysis for new and existing products.

2. Inventory Control

Monitor raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods inventories to ensure accurate cost accounting. Ensure proper recording of inventory costs, including periodic adjustments and reconciliations. Conduct or support physical inventory counts and variance analysis.

3. Cost Analysis & Variance Reporting

Analyze variances between actual, standard, and budgeted costs, identifying causes of deviations. Propose cost-saving initiatives and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Prepare and present periodic cost reports to management with recommendations for optimization.

?4. Budgeting & Forecasting

Assist in preparing annual cost budgets and long-term cost planning. Work with production and purchasing teams to align cost budgets with business goals. Provide financial projections for new projects and operational changes.

5. Operational Cost Control

Monitor daily operational costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction. Ensure proper allocation of factory overhead and indirect production costs. Develop strategies to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste.

6. Compliance & Audit Support

Ensure cost accounting practices comply with national accounting standards, US GAAP, and company policies. Support internal and external audits by preparing relevant cost and financial documentation. Maintain organized and transparent cost records for audit and compliance purposes.

7. Process Improvement & Efficiency

Identify areas for continuous improvement in cost tracking and financial reporting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement best practices for cost control. Utilize data analytics tools to improve financial visibility and reporting accuracy.

8. Financial Reporting

Prepare and submit monthly cost reports. Assist in annual budget preparation. Conduct ad-hoc financial analysis for management as needed.

?9. Additional Responsibilities

Provide cost accounting insights for new projects and business initiatives. Support the finance team with ad-hoc financial analysis and reporting tasks. Participate in special projects related to financial planning and operational efficiency.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a plus.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in cost accounting, specifically in automotive manufacturing.
• Familiarity with cost methodologies such as standard costing and activity-based costing.

Technical Skills:

• ?Proficiency in Epicor ERP for cost tracking and financial reporting.
• Strong data analysis skills with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, Macros) and Power BI.
• Knowledge of local and international accounting regulations.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.

Soft Skills:

• ?Proactive self-starter with the ability to take initiative and drive improvements.
• Strong communicator, capable of explaining financial data clearly to non-financial teams.
• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively within a team.
• High attention to detail and a problem-solving mindset.
• Advanced English