Sr. Cost Accountant

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Cost Accountant to support manufacturing finance activities for a company in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This Long-term Contract position will focus on product costing, inventory valuation, cost analysis, and financial reporting across production operations while partnering with cross-functional teams to strengthen profitability and operational performance. The role is ideal for someone who brings strong expertise in standard cost accounting and can translate financial data into practical insights for business decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee standard cost maintenance and evaluate material, labor, and overhead components to ensure accurate product costing.

• Manage inventory accounting activities, including valuation reviews, cost of goods sold analysis, and manufacturing-related financial reporting.

• Prepare recurring journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting documentation tied to inventory and cost accounting cycles.

• Review production and purchase price variances, identify meaningful trends, and highlight financial risks and improvement opportunities.

• Contribute to month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes related to manufacturing and inventory accounting.

• Work closely with operations, procurement, engineering, and supply chain partners to understand cost drivers and improve financial visibility.

• Build analyses and financial models that support margin improvement efforts, pricing evaluations, and capital planning decisions.

• Support cycle counts, physical inventory activities, reserve analysis, and reconciliation efforts to promote inventory accuracy and control.

• Assist with audit requests, internal control activities, cost roll updates, and system or process enhancements affecting cost accounting workflows.

• 7+ years of experience in cost accounting, cost analysis, or manufacturing finance roles.
• Strong background in manufacturing cost accounting, including standard cost development and variance analysis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of inventory valuation, cost of goods sold, and production-related accounting practices.
• Experience preparing journal entries, reconciliations, and financial close support for manufacturing environments.
• Ability to interpret operational and financial data to identify cost trends, risks, and performance opportunities.
• Proven skill in partnering with cross-functional teams to support decision-making and improve financial outcomes.
• Proficiency in cost accounting principles, financial modeling, and analytical problem-solving.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present findings clearly to finance and operations stakeholders.