Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Great Dane LLC

$66K — $128K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required.
  • 3+ years of accounting experience, ideally in manufacturing or public accounting.
  • Strong understanding of cost accounting principles is essential.
  • Experience with ERP systems, JDE preferred.
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel is necessary.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are critical.
  • Willingness to travel 10–15% domestically.

Responsibilities

  • Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close for assigned plants.
  • Prepare accurate financial statements and supporting schedules.
  • Analyze budget, forecast, and prior year variances.
  • Prepare management reporting packages with performance commentary.
  • Coordinate year-end reporting and support external audits.
  • Perform detailed cost accounting and margin analysis.
  • Support budgeting and forecasting in collaboration with plant leadership.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package offered.
  • Comprehensive benefits including dental, vision, and medical with employer contributions.
  • Retirement programs featuring a Pension Plan and 401(k) with employer match.
  • Tuition reimbursement to encourage continued education.
  • Paid holidays and vacation time included.
  • Additional perks may be available.
Full Job Description
Overview

THE ROLE

 

The Position: The Cost Accountant is responsible for full ownership of the general ledger and financial reporting for one assigned manufacturing location. This role partners closely with plant leadership, operations, engineering, and supply chain to ensure accurate product costing, margin analysis, and financial visibility across the business. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with a proactive, operational mindset and the ability to thrive in a multi-facility manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU’LL DO

 

Financial Reporting & Close Process

  • Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close for assigned plants
  • Prepare accurate financial statements and supporting schedules
  • Analyze variances versus budget, forecast, and prior year
  • Prepare management reporting packages with clear commentary on performance drivers
  • Coordinate year-end reporting requirements and support external audit processes

Cost Accounting & Operational Partnership

  • Perform detailed product costing and margin analysis
  • Analyze labor, material, and overhead variances

Budgeting & Forecasting

  • Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes
  • Collaborate with plant leadership to model cost drivers and volume assumptions

Internal Controls & Compliance

  • Maintain and strengthen internal control structure across plant operations
  • Monitor expense activity and ensure proper accruals and cut-off procedures
  • Safeguard company assets through inventory oversight and reconciliation
  • Assist with physical inventory observation at year end

Systems & Process Improvement

  • Utilize ERP system (JDE or similar) to drive reporting accuracy
  • Leverage advanced Excel skills to improve reporting efficiency
  • Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance financial visibility within PowerBI
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives across the accounting function
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS)

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (required).
  • Experience: 3+ years of accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing or public accounting
    • CPA preferred but not required
  • Skills: Strong understanding of cost accounting principles
    • Experience with ERP systems (JDE preferred)
    • Advanced Excel proficiency
    • Strong written and verbal communication skills
    • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
  • Travel: Willingness to travel 10–15% domestically

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Office and plant environment.
  • Keyboarding, lifting, standing, bending, walking.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW

  • Competitive compensation
  • Benefits, including but not limited to dental, vision, and medical with employer contributions
  • Retirement programs, including a Pension Plan and 401(k) Plan with employer match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid holidays and vacation
  • And more!

 

SALARY RANGE

 

The expected salary range for this role is $66,057 - $128,935 per year. 

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your exact pay, we may also consider your skills, experience, and other job-related factors.  

 

 

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