Senior Cost Accountant

Job Overview

The Senior Cost Accountant is a key member of the Plant Accounting team, responsible for leading manufacturing costing activities within a JD Edwards (JDE) environment. The role ensures accuracy in cost accounting, inventory valuation, and financial reporting while supporting plant performance through detailed financial analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

This position partners closely with operations, supply chain, and finance teams to deliver actionable insights, drive cost efficiencies, and support strategic decision-making, ensuring compliance with GAAP and internal financial controls.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain standard costing processes, including cost freezing and ensuring accuracy across BOMs and routings within JDE
• Lead and execute the annual cost roll process, validating cost components and resolving discrepancies prior to cost freeze
• Establish, review, and update labor and overhead rates in collaboration with operations and HR
• Oversee and execute month-end cost accounting close activities, including work order closures and WIP reconciliation in JDE
• Ensure accurate cost allocation and proper posting of manufacturing transactions within the ERP system
• Analyze manufacturing variances, including Job Cost Variance (JCV), Purchase Price Variance (PPV), and other plant KPIs
• Compare standard costs to actual production costs; investigate, explain, and document significant variances
• Prepare and present detailed variance and performance reports to plant and senior management
• Provide actionable recommendations to improve cost efficiency, margins, and operational performance
• Perform advanced financial modeling and ad hoc analysis to support business and operational decisions
• Coordinate cost accounting and reporting activities to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal financial policies across all cost accounting activities
• Perform account reconciliations, balance sheet reviews, and support general ledger activities during period close
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure proper documentation for audit readiness
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external audits
• Oversee and coordinate physical inventory counts and fixed asset verification processes
• Manage and monitor cycle count programs, ensuring timely posting and reconciliation within JDE
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies in collaboration with operations and supply chain teams
• Partner with estimators and production teams to ensure alignment on costing assumptions and inventory valuation
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives across costing, reporting, and inventory processes
• Enhance ERP (JDE) utilization and support system improvements related to costing and financial reporting
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and contribute to strengthening financial governance frameworks
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with operations, supply chain, and finance teams
• Provide guidance and informal mentorship to junior team members where applicable Skills

• Strong knowledge of cost accounting and GAAP principles
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into actionable business insights
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and prioritization abilities
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, financial modeling)
• Continuous improvement mindset with a proactive, results-driven approach
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and cost drivers Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required)
• Professional qualification (required) CPA, CA, or ICWA certification
• 5–8+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment
• Proven expertise in standard costing, variance analysis, inventory accounting, and period-close processes
• Hands-on experience with JD Edwards (JDE EnterpriseOne) preferred:
• Manufacturing Accounting, Cost Ledger, General Ledger, and Inventory modules
• Oracle ERP experience considered equivalent
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, financial modelling)#LI-MD1