Standard Cost & Variance Accounting Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionStandard Cost & Variance Accounting Specialist

Work setting: Onsite
Reporting line: VP of Finance
Team leadership: None

Is this you?

Do you spot a purchase price variance before it hits the ledger? Can you translate a bill of materials into a full product cost, then explain the swings to leadership? If you enjoy partnering across departments and turning operational activity into precise financial insights, you’ll thrive here.

You will

• Compile and analyze cost accounting data; publish standard cost reports, cost comparisons, and product cost analyses.
• Monitor inventory levels and participate in physical inventory counts to protect data integrity.
• Track, investigate, and explain variances; perform journal entries and reconciliations during month-end close.
• Ensure manufacturing costs and inventory are accurately stated and US GAAP compliant.
• Calculate total product cost by evaluating fixed and variable components.
• Set and maintain standard costs for products/services.
• Analyze labor and overhead rates; oversee accumulation of direct labor, overhead, and other manufacturing expenses.
• Deliver monthly and quarterly reporting from inventory analyses and standard-to-actual comparisons.
• Research material costs to keep ERP/accounting records current and accurate.
• Drive cost-reduction initiatives and support product pricing decisions to maximize ROI.
• Prepare budget reports and collaborate cross-functionally to strengthen budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Assist with internal and external audits; resolve discrepancies in financial records.
• Review inventory for obsolescence/excess and recommend necessary adjustments.
• Support the finance team broadly and provide timely reporting to management.

Where you fit

• Interfaces: Inter-company personnel across Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain.
• Decision scope: Provide guidance and findings to the direct manager under supervision.
• Impact of error: Direct effect on financial information and business decisions.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s degree in finance with an accounting major.
• 5+ years of accounting experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and accurate expense classification; CPA a plus.
• Advanced Excel and MS Office; exposure to Access and PowerPoint.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems; NetSuite and Syteline strongly preferred.
• Comfort with large datasets, math/statistics, and cost analysis methods.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; collaborative, organized, and deadline-driven.
• Team player with a ‘can do’ approach; equally effective working independently.

Additional proficiencies

• Bachelor's Degree
• Data Analysis and Manipulation
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Cost Accounting
• Accounts Payable (AP)
• Accounts Receivable (AR)
• Bank Reconciliation
• Financial Audit Experience

Systems you’ll use

• ERP Software
• Accounting Software

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.