Manufacturing Cost Accountant

Overview

There’s never been a better time to join Stratus! As the market leader in brand implementation and maintenance, we transform how national brands connect with their customers. From exterior signage & interior branding to site refresh & remodel, from energy & lighting to repair & maintenance solutions, we deliver ideal solutions to meet all our client's branding needs.

From our locations across the country, to our corporate headquarters in Mentor, Ohio, every employee is a stakeholder in Stratus’ success. This environment offers endless career opportunities for individuals with a commitment to customer service, focus on execution and bias for action.

Summary

The Manufacturing Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting on manufacturing costs to support accurate financial reporting, cost control, and operational decision-making. This role partners closely with manufacturing, operations, and finance teams to ensure product costing accuracy, identify cost variances, and drive continuous improvement in cost efficiency. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of manufacturing environments, standard costing, and inventory accounting, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.

Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Analysis

• Develop, maintain, and analyze costs for materials, labor, and overhead.
• Perform cost variance analysis (material, labor, overhead) and communicate findings to key stakeholders.
• Analyze manufacturing performance and identify cost drivers, trends, and improvement opportunities.
• Support product costing for new products, process changes, and pricing decisions.

Inventory & Financial Reporting

• Ensure accurate inventory valuation, including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Reconcile inventory accounts and investigate discrepancies.
• Support month-end close activities related to inventory and cost of goods sold (COGS).
• Assist with physical inventory counts and cycle count processes.

Operational & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams to understand production processes and cost impacts.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by providing financial analysis and cost visibility.
• Assist in the development and monitoring of manufacturing KPIs related to cost, efficiency, and profitability.
• Participate in system implementations or enhancements related to costing and inventory.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure cost accounting practices comply with GAAP and internal control requirements.
• Support internal and external audits by providing documentation and analysis.
• Maintain accurate documentation of costing methodologies and processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• 3+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting.
• Experience working with ERP systems; manufacturing ERP experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; ability to analyze and interpret large data sets.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• CPA, CMA, or progress toward certification is a plus.

Why Work With Us

• Supportive & Friendly Culture
• Manage national accounts for Fortune 500 companies
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage options
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• Company paid Life Insurance
• 401k with Employer Contribution
• Company paid Short/Long Term Disability
• Generous Paid Time Off program + Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Career Mapping
• Additional perks including Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Educational Assistance Program, Identity Theft Protection, Critical Illness Plans, Commuter Benefits and various employee discount offerings from our Vendors

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