Sr. Cost Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Cost Accountant to join a chemicals manufacturing organization in Decatur, Alabama. This contract position offers the potential to become permanent and is suited for a detail-oriented finance specialist who can bring strong manufacturing cost expertise, sharpen reporting accuracy, and support operational decision-making in a dynamic production setting. The role will contribute to inventory integrity, cost analysis, and monthly financial activities while working closely with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee standard cost data by evaluating material inputs, bills of materials, labor assumptions, and overhead allocations to keep costing models accurate.

• Manage inventory-related accounting activities, including reconciliations, cycle count reviews, and analysis of discrepancies affecting financial results.

• Develop cost estimates, profitability reviews, and manufacturing performance reports to support business planning and operational insight.

• Contribute to month-end close by preparing journal entries, reconciling accounts, and analyzing cost-related financial results.

• Collaborate with operations, supply chain, and finance partners to assess production spending and highlight opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce cost.

• Strengthen cost accounting controls by reviewing inventory and production information for completeness, consistency, and accuracy.

• Assist with planning activities such as budgeting and forecasting, and provide supporting documentation for internal or external audits.

• At least 3 years of cost accounting experience, ideally within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, variance analysis, and core manufacturing finance practices.
• Experience working with ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, or comparable systems.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyze large data sets; experience with Power BI is an advantage.
• Strong analytical thinking, organization, and communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.