Senior Cost Accountant - Industrial or Manufacturing experience

Position Title: Senior Cost Accountant
Location: Bethlehem, PA

Full-Time Permanent role

Cost accounting in a manufacturing environment is required.

Overview:
A well-established 24/7 production facility is looking for a skilled and meticulous Senior Cost Accountant to become part of its finance department. This position plays a pivotal role in evaluating manufacturing costs, inventory trends, and cost variances to guide operational decisions that drive efficiency and profitability. The ideal candidate will have deep familiarity with manufacturing processes and work closely with teams across production, engineering, and supply chain functions.

• Review and analyze standard vs. actual cost data for materials, labor, and overhead, with a focus on identifying cost variances.

• Develop product costing structures within the ERP platform by integrating BOMs, routing information, scrap/yield rates, and labor/overhead allocations.

• Validate product cost accuracy through data audits and system checks.

• Build and sustain cost tracking models to support forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning activities.

• Perform gross margin and cost of goods sold (COGS) reviews across multiple business units and product lines.

• Execute regular inventory reviews, including reconciliations, physical counts, and necessary adjustments.

• Reconcile inventory-related general ledger accounts and ensure data accuracy on the balance sheet.

• Collaborate with operational teams to assess production effectiveness, material usage, and yield optimization.

• Generate cost reports, including COGM and COGS, on a monthly basis.

• Contribute to the month-end and year-end close, supporting journal entries, audits, and reconciliations.

• Manage financial tracking for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to maintain reliable reporting.

• Offer financial insight and recommendations to support cost control initiatives and improve margins.

• Identify and propose enhancements for reporting tools and automated analysis systems.

• Document and refine accounting processes related to industrial costing.

• Review and assess capital project proposals, providing analysis of their cost impacts.

• Uphold internal control procedures and ensure alignment with corporate policies and accounting principles.

• Solid grasp of cost accounting principles within a manufacturing context; familiarity with US GAAP.

• Proficiency in ERP software for cost tracking and product costing.

• Advanced spreadsheet skills including pivot tables and lookup functions; experience with BI or database tools is advantageous.

• Able to independently manage responsibilities in a fast-paced, continuous production environment.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills for collaborating with cross-departmental teams.

• Strong analytical capabilities and a naturally inquisitive mindset.

• Professional credentials such as CPA, CMA, or MBA are desirable but not mandatory.

• Regular on-site presence is essential to maintain close coordination with production teams and review plant data.

• May require availability during non-standard hours or weekends, especially for inventory audits or operational needs.

• Comfort with working in a factory setting, including being physically present on the manufacturing floor.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a similar discipline.

• At least 3 years of experience in a cost accounting role within a manufacturing or industrial setting.