Senior Cost Accountant (Milwaukee)
LHH, Milwaukee, WI, United States
We are seeking a
Senior Cost Accountant
to join a growing, mid‑sized manufacturing company in the Milwaukee area. This is a high‑impact role responsible for cost accounting, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and partnering closely with plant and operations leadership to drive informed business decisions.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands‑on, understands manufacturing environments, and wants visibility and influence without taking on people management (unless desired).
Key Responsibilities
Maintain and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead
Prepare and explain monthly cost variances (material, labor, overhead, scrap, yield, absorption)
Support monthly close related to inventory, COGS, and manufacturing accruals
Analyze inventory valuation including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
Partner with Operations and Plant Leadership to identify cost drivers and efficiency opportunities
Develop cost models for new products and support pricing decisions
Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning from a cost perspective
Support internal and external audits and document costing methodologies
Lead or support process improvement initiatives including ERP and reporting enhancements
Act as a subject‑matter expert and mentor junior accounting staff as needed
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
5–8+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment
Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting
Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, Epicor, JD Edwards, or similar)
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)
Ability to communicate financial insights to non‑finance stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
CPA or CMA certification (or in progress)
Experience in discrete or process manufacturing
Exposure to Lean or continuous improvement environments
Experience supporting capital projects or ERP implementations
What’s Offered
Competitive salary with bonus potential
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match
Stable, growth‑oriented manufacturing business with local leadership
High visibility role with strong operational exposure
Collaborative culture and long‑term career growth opportunities
Senior Cost Accountant
to join a growing, mid‑sized manufacturing company in the Milwaukee area. This is a high‑impact role responsible for cost accounting, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and partnering closely with plant and operations leadership to drive informed business decisions.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands‑on, understands manufacturing environments, and wants visibility and influence without taking on people management (unless desired).
Key Responsibilities
Maintain and analyze standard costs for materials, labor, and overhead
Prepare and explain monthly cost variances (material, labor, overhead, scrap, yield, absorption)
Support monthly close related to inventory, COGS, and manufacturing accruals
Analyze inventory valuation including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
Partner with Operations and Plant Leadership to identify cost drivers and efficiency opportunities
Develop cost models for new products and support pricing decisions
Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning from a cost perspective
Support internal and external audits and document costing methodologies
Lead or support process improvement initiatives including ERP and reporting enhancements
Act as a subject‑matter expert and mentor junior accounting staff as needed
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
5–8+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment
Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting
Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, Epicor, JD Edwards, or similar)
Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)
Ability to communicate financial insights to non‑finance stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
CPA or CMA certification (or in progress)
Experience in discrete or process manufacturing
Exposure to Lean or continuous improvement environments
Experience supporting capital projects or ERP implementations
What’s Offered
Competitive salary with bonus potential
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match
Stable, growth‑oriented manufacturing business with local leadership
High visibility role with strong operational exposure
Collaborative culture and long‑term career growth opportunities