Sr. Cost Accountant

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Cost Accountant to support a wholesale distribution & manufacturing organization in Birmingham, Alabama. This contract-to-permanent opportunity is ideal for a hands-on, detail-oriented accounting specialist who can strengthen cost visibility, improve inventory accuracy, and partner closely with operational leaders. The role will contribute to financial reporting, margin analysis, and control activities that support efficient day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities:

• Direct costing activities by maintaining standard cost structures, reviewing cost fluctuations, and evaluating key manufacturing-related variances.

• Oversee inventory control processes through cycle count coordination, physical inventory support, and account reconciliation to improve accuracy.

• Prepare analysis on cost performance and operational variances, then communicate findings and recommendations to finance and operations leaders.

• Work alongside plant and business partners to refine cost data, support margin improvement efforts, and increase confidence in financial results.

• Maintain accurate accounting for raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods across inventory records and financial reporting.

• Contribute to month-end close by posting journal entries, completing reconciliations, and delivering inventory-related reports on schedule.

• Recommend and carry out enhancements to costing methods, inventory procedures, and internal control practices.

• Assist with ERP-related updates and reporting improvements to better align accounting processes with operational workflows.

• Provide documentation and analysis for audits while helping ensure compliance with accounting policies and reporting standards.

• Build and maintain KPI reporting that tracks measures such as inventory movement, scrap trends, and overall cost performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in cost accounting and inventory control, preferably in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory valuation, and variance analysis.
• Experience using ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or comparable systems.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to interpret large data sets and produce meaningful analysis.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with operations, supply chain, and finance teams.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and a practical problem-solving approach.
• Experience supporting process improvements, system enhancements, or data cleanup initiatives is preferred.

Compensation

$47.50-$55.00 Hourly

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