Associate Cost Manager

About the role

The Associate Cost Manager maintains the integrity of the standard cost system and supports accurate financial reporting and operational decision making. The role evaluates product cost components such as scrap rates, labor rates and machine rates, and recommends updates to bills of materials and routing structures. It also leads the month-end close and supervises the cost accounting team.

Key responsibilities

• Evaluate product cost components and recommend updates to bills of materials and routing structures
• Prepare cost estimates and quotes for new and existing product lines
• Lead the month-end close: develop close schedules, prepare journal entries, perform account reconciliations and deliver timely financial reports
• Analyze standard cost variances (material price, usage, labor efficiency) and prepare monthly variance summaries
• Support forecasts and budgets, and align ERP perpetual inventory records with general ledger balances
• Support the annual standard cost update and inventory revaluation, and ensure inventory transactions comply with local statutory requirements
• Supervise, train and manage the performance of the cost accounting team
• Partner with operations to identify excess and obsolete inventory, audit cycle counts, and support Finance and Operations leadership with ad hoc analysis and special projects

Required profile

• 5+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance or related roles in a production or industrial environment
• Thorough working knowledge of US GAAP
• English and Spanish, written and spoken
• Proven experience managing standard cost systems, including cost updates, variance analysis and inventory valuation
• Demonstrated ability to lead or supervise accounting teams and manage month-end close
• Experience preparing financial reports, forecasts and budgets, and partnering with operations, supply chain and finance teams

Required skills

• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, BPCS or similar)
• Understanding of inventory controls and processes
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret cost data

Preferred qualifications: Big Four accounting firm experience (audit or advisory for manufacturing clients), CPA designation, MBA or another advanced degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field.