Manufacturing Staff Accountant

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the accounting operations of a manufacturing organization, with a focus on cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting. This role ensures accurate tracking of product costs, supports month-end close processes, and helps maintain compliance with GAAP and company policies.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Inventory

• Maintain and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and overhead
• Perform cost variance analysis (material, labor, and overhead) and explain fluctuations
• Monitor inventory transactions, including receipts, transfers, and adjustments
• Reconcile inventory subledger to the general ledger
• Assist with periodic inventory counts (cycle counts and physical inventory)

Financial Reporting & Close

• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
• Analyze manufacturing variances and provide insights to operations teams
• Support preparation of financial statements and management reports

Budgeting & Analysis

• Assist in the development of annual budgets and forecasts
• Track actual performance versus budget and identify trends
• Provide financial analysis to support operational decision-making

Systems & Controls

• Maintain cost accounting data in ERP systems
• Ensure internal controls over financial reporting and inventory are in place and functioning

Collaboration

• Partner with production, supply chain, and operations teams to ensure accurate cost data
• Support process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Communicate financial insights to non-finance stakeholders

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 2–5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with cost accounting or inventory accounting strongly preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., IQMS, SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)
• Knowledge of GAAP and cost accounting principles

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Effective communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or progress toward certification
• Experience with standard costing and variance analysis
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing environments or continuous improvement initiatives

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with periodic time on the production floor
• May require extended hours during month-end close or audits

Success Metrics

• Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting
• Effectiveness of cost analysis and variance reporting
• Inventory accuracy and reconciliation performance
• Contribution to process improvements and cost savings

You should be proficient in:

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Cost Accounting
• Bank Reconciliation