Cost Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Our client, a growing manufacturing organization in Houston, is seeking a Cost Accountant to support plant operations through detailed cost analysis, inventory management, budgeting, and financial reporting. This role is ideal for a hands-on manufacturing finance professional who enjoys partnering with operations to drive cost control, improve profitability, and support strategic decision-making.

Reporting to the Cost Accounting Manager , this position will play a critical role in analyzing product costs, monitoring manufacturing performance, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform product costing and material cost analyses to support accurate manufacturing valuations.
• Maintain and optimize standard costing processes and methodologies.
• Monitor fixed and variable manufacturing costs and conduct detailed variance analyses.
• Analyze labor, inventory, and production costs to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead inventory analyses and reconciliations, including support of physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.
• Monitor and report on key plant financial metrics, KPIs, and operational performance indicators.
• Participate in month-end close activities, including:
• Journal entries
• Account reconciliations
• Balance sheet and income statement variance analysis
• Financial and compliance reporting
• Partner with production, operations, supply chain, and finance teams to support business objectives.
• Assist with the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and ongoing financial planning activities.
• Track actual performance against budget and identify operational and financial risks.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting, cost accounting, or financial analysis experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of:
• Standard costing
• Inventory accounting
• Manufacturing cost control
• Variance analysis
• Financial reporting
• Experience supporting month-end close processes and budgeting activities.
• SAP experience, particularly within the Controlling (CO) module, is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across finance, production, operations, and supply chain teams.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Manufacturing industry experience required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimization.
• Collaborative team player with strong decision-making capabilities.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join a well-established manufacturing organization with a strong operational footprint.
• High visibility role supporting plant leadership and key business initiatives.
• Opportunity to influence cost control, profitability, and operational performance.
• Competitive compensation and hybrid work flexibility.
• Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and advancement.