Cost Accounting Manager

We are looking for an experienced Cost Accounting Manager to guide cost accounting operations within a large-scale manufacturing environment in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This role will oversee standard costing activities, strengthen financial visibility across a broad product portfolio, and turn complex operational and financial data into practical recommendations for leadership. The position also plays an important part in improving reporting processes, supporting cross-functional decision-making, and building a high-performing team focused on accuracy and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:
• Direct cost accounting activities for a high-volume manufacturing operation and provide leadership to a team responsible for delivering accurate and timely cost information.
• Oversee the setup, review, and refinement of standard costs across a large product catalog, ensuring costing methods remain reliable and well controlled.
• Manage annual cost updates and regularly evaluate material variances to keep product costing current and aligned with operational performance.
• Analyze overhead structure, equipment utilization, and cost absorption trends to improve the allocation of manufacturing expenses.
• Investigate production variances, identify key drivers behind cost fluctuations, and work with operations leaders to develop effective corrective actions.
• Perform profitability and margin analysis by product line and customer segment to support pricing, product strategy, and business planning decisions.
• Coordinate recurring physical inventory activities across locations in partnership with finance and operations teams to help maintain inventory accuracy.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve cost discrepancies, consolidate data from multiple sources, and promote consistent financial reporting.
• Provide cost accounting expertise for ERP-related initiatives, including system configuration, process optimization, and enhanced reporting capabilities.
• Support period-end accounting activities, including necessary reclassifications and other financial close tasks tied to manufacturing costs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, operations, analytics, or a related discipline with practical knowledge of manufacturing environments.
• At least 10 years of experience in finance, accounting, or a related field, including 6 to 10 years working in manufacturing.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading teams and driving performance within cross-functional business settings.
• Demonstrated background in analyzing large data sets and using findings to recommend operational or financial improvements.
• Strong expertise in cost accounting, standard costing, cost analysis, and manufacturing cost structures.
• Advanced technical ability with data querying and database objects such as tables, views, functions, and scheduled jobs.
• Experience with ERP platforms in a manufacturing setting; familiarity with Microsoft D365 is preferred.
• A master’s degree in a related field and Certified Management Accountant certification are preferred.

Compensation

$120,000.00-$140,000.00 Yearly

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