Job Description

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for providing accounting support to our US Apertures manufacturing plants. This role will play a key role in the finance department, providing expertise and leadership in various accounting and financial functions. With a strong background in accounting principles and experience in the manufacturing industry, you will be responsible for ensuring accurate inventory accounting, financial reporting, analyzing financial data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to support business decisions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead.
• Calculate and monitor product costs, manufacturing variances, and profitability by product line.
• Perform monthly cost rollups and standard cost updates; monitor and explain variances.
• Analyze cost trends and recommend actions to improve margins and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Manage inventory accounting processes, including valuation, reserves, and reconciliation.
• Ensure accurate accounting for raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventory.
• Assist physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies and inventory-related variances.

• Analyze production efficiency (MPO), labor utilization, scrap, waste, yield, and overhead absorption.
• Prepare and review manufacturing KPIs and operational performance metrics.
• Partner with plant management to identify and monitor cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
• Support month-end close activities related to inventory, cost of sales, and manufacturing operations.
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Analyze and explain manufacturing variances including:
  • Material price and usage variances
  • Labor rate and efficiency variances
  • Overhead spending and volume variances
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies
• Support the preparation of financial data for audits and liaise with external auditors.
• Support annual operating budgets and periodic forecasts for manufacturing operations.
• Develop production cost forecasts and spending plans.
• Monitor actual results against budget and explain significant variances.
• Serve as a key finance resource for ERP systems related to inventory and costing.
• Improve costing methodologies, reporting tools, and financial processes.
• Participate in system implementations, upgrades, and automation initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ plus years of accounting experience in the manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and lead a project team in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA) is a plus but not mandatory.
• All Microsoft Office products proficiency desired.

Additional Information

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $80,000-$100,000 + bonus + medical, dental, vision benefits starting day 1 + 401k and PTO. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. (Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week.)

Why work for Cornerstone Building Brands?

Our teams are at the heart of our purpose to positively contribute to the communities where we live, work and play. Full-time* team members receive** medical, dental and vision benefits starting day 1. Other benefits include PTO, paid holidays, FSA, life insurance, LTD, STD, 401k, EAP, discount programs, tuition reimbursement, training, and professional development.

*Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week. **Union programs may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement.