Senior Cost Accountant

About Us:

Founded in 1942, Eriez stands as a global leader in separation technologies. Our innovative approach and cutting-edge solutions cater to a variety of industries, such as mining, food processing, recycling, and more. With a dedicated team of over 900 employees, we are committed to delivering high-quality, trusted solutions worldwide. Headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania, Eriez operates across six continents through multiple subsidiaries and a comprehensive sales network.

About the Role:

As a Senior Cost Accountant, you will be responsible for managing and analyzing manufacturing costs, inventory valuation, and cost accounting processes. This role partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Procurement to ensure accurate cost data, support financial reporting, and drive improvements in cost control, profitability, and operational efficiency.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to: Finance Leadership

Responsibilities:

Cost Accounting & Analysis

• Develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead.
• Perform variance analysis (price, usage, labor efficiency, and overhead) and investigate significant deviations.
• Monitor and analyze inventory valuation for raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods.
• Identify key cost drivers and recommend process improvements to enhance profitability and cost control.

Inventory & Manufacturing Accounting

• Oversee inventory transactions and ensure accuracy within the ERP system.
• Support physical inventory counts and reconciliation activities.
• Review and reconcile inventory and cost-related general ledger accounts.
• Ensure proper absorption and application of manufacturing overhead.

Financial Reporting & Close

• Prepare cost-related journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Assist in preparing financial reports, management dashboards, and KPIs related to cost and margin performance.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes.
• Partner with Operations to develop production cost forecasts.
• Analyze actual versus budgeted costs and explain variances to management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Procurement to improve cost accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Provide financial insight to support new product introductions, pricing decisions, and make-versus-buy analyses.
• Support capital expenditure analysis and post-implementation reviews.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain cost accounting structures within the ERP system, including bills of materials, routings, and cost centers.
• Identify opportunities to improve costing methodologies, internal controls, and reporting processes.
• Support system enhancements, upgrades, and automation initiatives.

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure adherence to internal controls and accounting requirements.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and analysis.
• Assist in developing and maintaining accounting policies and procedures.

Mentorship & Leadership

• Provide guidance and training to staff as appropriate.
• Review work for accuracy and completeness.
• Act as a subject matter expert on manufacturing cost accounting matters.

Requirements

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

• Minimum of 5+ years of manufacturing cost accounting experience (required).
• Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, inventory reconciliation, and manufacturing accounting processes.
• Experience supporting month-end close and financial reporting.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across functions and communicate financial information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA, CMA, or similar professional certification.
• Experience in capital equipment, engineered-to-order, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting ERP implementations or system improvements.
• Experience with continuous improvement or Lean initiatives.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off
• Short -Term & Long-Term Disability