Remote - Cost Accounting Manager (Night Shift)

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a strategic and execution-oriented Cost Accounting Manager to lead and scale cost accounting services across multiple client engagements. This role serves as the primary engagement lead for cost accounting, overseeing the design, execution, and continuous improvement of clients' manufacturing cost structures, inventory valuation processes, close procedures, and reporting infrastructure.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in manufacturing or hardware environments, including standard costing, inventory accounting, variance analysis, overhead allocation, and ERP operationalization. This person thrives in ambiguity, balances strategic thinking with operational execution, and brings the judgment and communication skills to influence client stakeholders and senior leadership.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for the following:

1. Acting as the primary engagement lead for cost accounting services, overseeing the design, execution, and continuous improvement of clients' cost accounting and manufacturing cost structures (standard costing, PPV, overhead allocation, and inventory valuation).

2. Managing the overall accounting operations and financial reporting for assigned clients, with primary emphasis on cost accounting and secondary responsibility over general accounting, forecasting, and analysis of financial results.

3. Providing leadership in interpreting and communicating cost and financial results, issues, and recommendations to client stakeholders, including operations, supply chain, and finance leadership.

4. Overseeing special and agreed-upon procedure engagements and review of ongoing and ad hoc management reports.

5. Serving as a strategic partner to clients' cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement, Sales Operations) by translating ambiguous business needs into scalable accounting and operational frameworks.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Primary: Cost Accounting & Inventory

• Lead and oversee the maintenance of accurate standard cost models for multiple clients, including annual updates, revaluations, and alignment with operational changes.

• Direct and review the tracking and analysis of material, labor, and overhead costs to ensure accuracy and integrity of client financial statements and management reports.

• Oversee PPV analysis and other cost variance analyses; review root-cause findings from the team and present recommendations and action plans to clients.

• Evaluate, design, and refine overhead allocation methodologies to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant absorption across products, cost centres, and locations.

• Own or advise on inventory-related accounting policies and controls, including capitalization, overhead allocation, LCNRV and NRV assessments, rebates, freight, tariffs and duties, and inventory reserves.

• Review and approve monthly cost accounting journal entries, reconciliations, and variance explanations prepared by the team; ensure timely and accurate month-end and quarter-end close for all cost-related activities.

• Oversee preparation of cost accounting schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for audits, tax, and regulatory requirements.

• Lead identification and implementation of process improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and best practices tailored to each client's manufacturing and operational environment.

• Provide oversight on inventory valuation (raw materials, WIP, finished goods), inventory reconciliations, and physical inventory/cycle count procedures; address discrepancies and control gaps.

• Where applicable, reconcile 3PL fulfillment, distributor, and e-commerce cost flows back to the general ledger; drive resolution on cross-system variances.

• Direct margin and profitability analyses at the product, customer, and segment level; translate findings into practical recommendations for pricing, product mix, and operational efficiency.

• Coordinate and review budgeting and forecasting for standard costs, overhead absorption, production volumes, and cost variances; partner with FP&A and operations teams as needed.

• Advise client leadership by synthesizing complex cost data into clear, actionable operational and strategic insights, including scenario analysis and "what-if" modeling.

• Support clients' new product introduction (NPI) processes, engineering builds, and production ramp-ups from a cost accounting perspective.

Secondary: ERP Systems & Process Design

• Serve as a subject-matter resource for ERP inventory and costing modules (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle)