About the Cost Accounting Manager Role

Robert Half is thrilled to partner with a dynamic manufacturing leader in Minneapolis, Minnesota to find an exceptional Cost Accounting Manager. This pivotal leadership role is at the heart of driving financial precision and operational excellence in a fast-growing organization. As Cost Accounting Manager, you will spearhead product costing, inventory valuation, and cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis, ensuring every financial decision is backed by accurate, actionable data. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence strategic initiatives, optimize manufacturing costs, and contribute to the company's expansion in a competitive market.

In today's complex manufacturing landscape, where supply chain disruptions and rising material costs demand agile financial strategies, the Cost Accounting Manager plays a critical role. You will partner with C-suite executives, operations leaders, and supply chain teams to uncover cost-saving opportunities, enhance pricing models, and safeguard profit margins. With Minneapolis, MN as a hub for innovative manufacturing, this role positions you at the forefront of industry transformation, leveraging cutting-edge ERP systems and advanced analytics to deliver results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive cost accounting strategy to align with business growth and increased manufacturing complexity, including standard costing models and variance analysis.
• Maintain and enhance cost accounting systems and internal controls to ensure precise tracking of product costs, inventory, and overhead allocation across multiple facilities.
• Analyze and report product costs, including direct labor, materials, and overhead, while providing actionable insights to optimize pricing strategies and margin management for enhanced profitability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, and finance teams to assess key cost drivers, identify opportunities for structural improvements, and evaluate capital investment proposals.
• Prepare and present detailed financial results on cost performance, emerging trends, and potential risks to senior management through executive dashboards and board presentations.
• Ensure full compliance with organizational policies, GAAP standards, and SOX internal controls related to manufacturing accounting and inventory management.
• Lead inventory control processes across manufacturing plants and distribution centers, conducting cycle counts, reconciliations, and obsolescence reviews to maintain accuracy and integrity.
• Partner with operational leaders to pinpoint cost reduction initiatives, such as lean manufacturing projects, and rigorously evaluate their financial impact using ROI and NPV analyses.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of inventory and cost accounting professionals, fostering professional growth, skill development, and a culture of excellence.
• Oversee the annual cost accounting budget process, ensuring optimal resource allocation, forecast accuracy, and alignment with broader strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications

To excel as our Cost Accounting Manager, you bring a proven track record in manufacturing finance with a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (MBA or Master's preferred). Ideally, you hold a CPA, CMA, or similar certification and possess 7+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.

Your expertise spans GAAP-compliant product costing, inventory valuation, and COGS management in multi-site manufacturing environments. Proficiency in ERP systems like SAP, Oracle, or JD Edwards, coupled with advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, Power Query), is essential. You thrive in collaborative settings, demonstrating strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and drive change.

Key soft skills include strategic thinking, problem-solving under pressure, and the ability to translate complex financial data into business recommendations. Experience with cost reduction programs, variance analysis, and capital budgeting will set you apart in this Minneapolis, MN opportunity.

Why Join Us at Robert Half?

Joining through Robert Half means accessing top-tier opportunities with leading employers while enjoying unparalleled support. Our client offers a competitive salary of $130,000 - $150,000, plus performance bonuses, in a full-time, hybrid role. Benefit from comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) matching, generous PTO, and professional development stipends.

Robert Half's network provides career advancement, exclusive training, and connections to Fortune 500 companies. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, embrace a vibrant city known for its thriving manufacturing sector, lakeside lifestyle, and professional community. Apply now to elevate your career in cost accounting—Robert Half is your partner in success!