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Cost Accounting Manager

Cost Accounting Manager

Placon CorporationMadison, WI, USA
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Why Join Us?

The Cost Accounting Manager role offers the opportunity to lead a critical finance function that directly impacts operational performance and profitability. You will influence decision-making at multiple levels, work cross-functionally with plant and executive leadership, and help shape financial strategy in a dynamic and sustainability-focused manufacturing company.

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on and strategic Cost Accounting Manager to lead our cost accounting function. This role will oversee product costing, inventory controls, and manufacturing variance reporting, while partnering closely with Finance and Operations leadership to drive cost transparency, standardize reporting, and provide insights that improve profitability. The Cost Accounting Manager will lead cost accounting processes across multiple facilities, support team members, and ensure alignment with GAAP, internal controls, and business strategy.

Industry : Thermoforming / Packaging / Manufacturing

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Business Partnership

  • Lead the cost accounting function.
  • Act as the primary Finance partner for Operations leadership, driving alignment on costing, inventory, and performance metrics.
  • Serve as key business support analyst for sales, production, and special projects, translating financial insights into operational action.
  • Champion Power BI and Oracle PBCS utilization across Finance, improving reporting efficiency and decision support.

Cost Accounting & Analysis

  • Oversee maintenance of standard costs, BOM accuracy, and labor / overhead rates in ERP (Oracle).
  • Develop and maintain Oracle material and resource rates to support pricing and GAAP inventory costing compliance.
  • Review and explain manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead), providing clear recommendations to leadership.
  • Lead cost modeling for new product developments, including customer cost cards, pricing support, and margin analysis.
  • Manage financial analysis for operating platforms, product lines, territories, and customers to support strategic decisions.

    • Inventory & Compliance

  • Ensure accurate inventory reconciliations and valuation across all facilities.
  • Oversee physical inventory processes, cycle counts, and year-end observations.
  • Review Oracle EAM internal labor and material costs for appropriateness and fiscal control.
  • Ensure GAAP compliance and support internal and external audits (bank, tax, insurance, customer).

    • Financial Planning & Capital

  • Lead capital expenditure payback analysis, incorporating NPV, IRR, and payback tools.
  • Support the preparation and development of the annual financial plan and monthly reporting packages.
  • Coordinate and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and cost allocations during close.

    • Continuous Improvement

  • Lead and participate in process improvements in support of departmental and company objectives.
  • Develop and standardize dashboards and KPIs to measure cost performance and efficiency.

    • Qualifications

    Required :

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
  • 5+ years of progressive cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience.
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP, standard costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing operations.
  • Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems (Oracle preferred).
  • Proven ability to communicate financial information clearly to operational leadership.

    • Preferred :

  • CPA or CMA certification.
  • Experience in plastics, thermoforming, or medical / food-grade manufacturing.
  • MBA or advanced degree in Accounting or Finance.
  • Experience with Power BI and Oracle PBCS.
  • Public accounting experience (e.g., audit or assurance) is preferred and valued for the strong technical foundation and analytical skills it provides.
  • Familiarity with Lean manufacturing, process improvement, or Six Sigma.

    • Key Competencies

  • Strong leadership and influencing skills
  • Strategic and analytical thinking
  • Effective cross-functional communication
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • High integrity and accountability
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence

    • Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).

    Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.

    Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.

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    Cost Accounting Manager • Madison, WI, USA