Cost Accountant

Employment type: Direct Hire
Source: PEG Staffing job board (Bullhorn job 4170)

PEG Staffing and Recruiting is excited to announce we are looking for a new Cost Accountant for our established and exciting client in the St. Louis area!  Please do apply if you are interested.  

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting operational activity to financial outcomes. From analyzing manufacturing variances to improving costing processes and inventory accuracy, you will play a key role in helping the organization understand where costs are coming from and where opportunities exist to improve. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Demonstrate and uphold standard costs for all new and existing SKUs, including raw materials, labor, and overhead allocations.

- Establish variance analysis on purchase price, labor efficiency, and material usage to identify root causes.

- Responsible for analyzing product margins, breakeven points, and work center performance to support operational and financial decision-making.

- Maintain and audit the standard costing system within the ERP platform to ensure accurate product costing and financial reporting.

- Responsible for leading the monthly inventory reconciliation process, ensuring financial records align with physical inventory counts and supporting documentation.

- Provide oversight of cycle counts and partner with Operations to ensure accurate inventory management across raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.

- Assess and maintain inventory reserves for obsolete materials and collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and dispose of excess inventory.

- Work with Tax and Sourcing teams to analyze freight, duties, and customs costs and ensure accurate landed cost calculations.

- Develop reporting tools and dashboards that identify cost anomalies, margin leakage, and operational inefficiencies.

- Support financial reporting, forecasting, and ad hoc analysis that informs capital investments and operational improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field.

Experience

- 4 to 5 years of experience in process or standard cost accounting required.

- Experience working with ERP systems and inventory accounting in a manufacturing or product-based environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate operational activity into financial insights.

- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners including Production, Sourcing, and Finance.

- Knowledge of U.S. GAAP and cost accounting principles related to inventory valuation and manufacturing operations.

- CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) preferred.

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