Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Cost Accounting Manager
Location: Madison, WI
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Salary Range: $100,000–$120,000

ABR is partnering with a client in Madison to fill a Cost Accounting Manager role that offers the opportunity to lead a critical finance function directly impacting operational performance and profitability. This position will influence decision-making at multiple levels, collaborate cross-functionally with plant and executive leadership, and help shape financial strategy within a dynamic, sustainability-focused manufacturing environment.

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on and strategic Cost Accounting Manager to lead the cost accounting function across multiple manufacturing facilities. This role oversees product costing, inventory controls, and manufacturing variance reporting while partnering closely with Finance and Operations leadership to drive cost transparency, standardized reporting, and profitability improvements.

Industry: Thermoforming / Packaging / Manufacturing

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Business Partnership

• Lead the cost accounting function and provide direction to team members

• Serve as the primary Finance partner to Operations leadership

• Support sales, production, and special projects through financial analysis and insights

• Champion the use of Power BI and Oracle PBCS to enhance reporting and decision-making

Cost Accounting & Analysis

• Maintain standard costs, BOM accuracy, and labor/overhead rates within ERP (Oracle)

• Develop and maintain material and resource rates to support pricing and GAAP compliance

• Analyze and explain manufacturing variances with actionable recommendations

• Lead cost modeling for new product development, including pricing and margin analysis

• Provide financial analysis by product line, platform, customer, and territory

Inventory & Compliance

• Ensure accurate inventory valuation and reconciliation across all facilities

• Oversee physical inventories, cycle counts, and year-end observations

• Review internal labor and material costs for appropriateness and fiscal control

• Ensure GAAP compliance and support internal and external audits

Financial Planning & Capital

• Lead capital expenditure payback analysis (NPV, IRR, payback)

• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting

• Coordinate journal entries, account reconciliations, and cost allocations during close

Continuous Improvement

• Drive process improvements aligned with departmental and company goals

• Develop and standardize dashboards and KPIs to monitor cost performance

Qualifications

Required

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

• 5+ years of progressive cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, standard costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing operations

• Advanced Excel skills and ERP experience (Oracle preferred)

• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to operational leaders

Preferred

• CPA or CMA certification

• Experience in plastics, thermoforming, or medical/food-grade manufacturing

• MBA or advanced degree in Accounting or Finance

• Power BI and Oracle PBCS experience

• Public accounting experience (audit or assurance)

• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, process improvement, or Six Sigma

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and influencing skills

• Strategic and analytical thinking

• Effective cross-functional communication

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• High integrity, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement

ABR Employment Services is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veterans' status.PandoLogic. Keywords: Chief Accountant, Location: FITCHBURG, WI - 53725 , PL: 602169681

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