Product Costing Consultant

Job#: 3030201

Job Description:

Fully Remote - CST or EST only

6-month contract + extension

$80+/hr

SUMMARY OF ROLE
The Product Costing Consultant Expert is responsible for leading product costing initiatives, ensuring accurate cost accounting, and providing strategic insights to support business decision-making. This role requires deep expertise in cost accounting methodologies, ERP systems (preferably SAP), and the ability to analyze complex costing scenarios. The consultant will work closely with cross-functional teams including Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to optimize product costs, improve margin analysis, and support pricing strategies.
This is a critical role that combines technical accounting expertise with business partnership to drive informed decision-making and financial performance across the organization.
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SCOPE: CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
The Product Costing Consultant Expert will transform cost accounting into a strategic function that drives measurable business value and operational excellence. This role encompasses end-to-end product costing processes and delivers actionable insights to stakeholders across the enterprise.
Costing Process Leadership:
Lead and manage product costing processes including standard cost development, cost roll-ups, and variance analysis
Configure and maintain product costing functionality within ERP systems (SAP CO-PC Product Costing module preferred)
Develop and implement cost accounting policies, procedures, and best practices aligned with organizational standards and regulatory requirements
Conduct detailed cost analysis including material costs, labor costs, overhead allocation, and manufacturing variances
Financial Reporting & Controls:
Support month-end and year-end close activities related to inventory valuation and cost of goods sold (COGS)
Analyze and reconcile manufacturing variances (price, usage, volume, efficiency) and provide actionable insights
Support transfer pricing, intercompany transactions, and multi-entity costing scenarios
Ensure compliance with accounting standards (US GAAP, IFRS) and internal control requirements
Collaborate with external auditors during financial audits related to inventory and cost accounting
Business Partnership & Strategic Insights:
Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams to understand cost drivers and identify cost reduction opportunities
Provide costing expertise for new product launches, product transitions, and make-vs-buy decisions
Develop and maintain cost models, tools, and reporting dashboards to support business planning and decision-making
Deliver insights on margin analysis, profitability, and pricing strategies to support executive decision-making
System Implementation & Continuous Improvement:
Lead system implementations, upgrades, and enhancements related to product costing functionality
Drive adoption of best practices and standardized processes across the organization
Leverage technology and automation to improve efficiency and accuracy of costing processes
Train and mentor finance team members and business stakeholders on costing methodologies and systems
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REQUIREMENTS
Education:
Required: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
Preferred: Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or MBA
Certifications: CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional accounting certification (preferred)
Experience:
8+ years of progressive experience in product costing, cost accounting, or management accounting
Extensive hands-on experience with ERP systems, preferably SAP CO (Controlling) module with focus on Product Cost Controlling (CO-PC)
Proven experience in manufacturing or consumer goods industry with understanding of production processes and cost flows
Strong experience with standard costing, actual costing, and variance analysis
Demonstrated experience with month-end close processes, inventory valuation, and COGS calculations
Track record of leading costing system implementations or significant system enhancements
Preferred Experience:
Experience with SAP S/4HANA and Material Ledger functionality
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
Experience in global, multi-entity organizations with complex transfer pricing scenarios
Consulting experience or Big 4 public accounting background
Experience with business intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau, SAP Analytics Cloud)
Project management certification (PMP) or demonstrated project leadership experience
Experience with cost management in regulated industries
Knowledge of automation and RPA applications in finance processes
Technical Knowledge & Skills:
Expert knowledge of cost accounting principles and methodologies (absorption costing, activity-based costing, etc.)
Deep understanding of manufacturing cost structures including materials, labor, and overhead allocation
Proficiency in financial systems and tools (SAP CO-PC, SAP FI, SAP MM integration)
Advanced Excel skills including financial modeling, pivot tables, and data analysis
Knowledge of US GAAP and/or IFRS accounting standards related to inventory and cost accounting
Financial modeling and analysis capabilities
Data analytics and reporting skills
System configuration and testing expertise
Understanding of internal controls and SOX compliance requirements
Soft Skills & Competencies:
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with exceptional attention to detail
Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex costing concepts to non-finance stakeholders at all organizational levels
Strategic thinking and business acumen to connect costing insights with broader business objectives
Stakeholder management and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
Project management and organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Ability to work independently and take ownership of deliverables in a remote environment
Change management capabilities to drive adoption of new processes and systems
Mentoring and training abilities to develop team capabilities
Continuous improvement mindset with focus on innovation and efficiency
Adaptability in fast-paced, dynamic environments with changing priorities
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KEY DELIVERABLES & VALUE
This role will deliver significant value to the organization through:
Cost Accuracy & Integrity: Ensures product costs are accurate, compliant, and reflective of actual business operations
Strategic Insights: Provides data-driven recommendations to optimize costs, improve margins, and support pricing decisions
Process Excellence: Establishes scalable, efficient costing processes that support business growth
System Optimization: Maximizes value from ERP investments through expert configuration and continuous improvement
Cross-Functional Partnership: Strengthens collaboration between Finance and Operations to drive better business outcomes
Compliance & Control: Maintains robust internal controls and ensures adherence to accounting standards

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.