Job Description

Job Title: Cost Accountant
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia – US005
Department: Finance – Dept. 552
Reports To: Assistant Controller
Level: Band 09

Position Summary

The Cost Accountant is responsible for supporting plant financial operations through accurate cost accounting, inventory analysis, budgeting, variance reporting, and financial controls. This position partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Logistics, Human Resources, and Corporate Finance to support manufacturing performance, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

The role requires strong analytical capabilities, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting continuous improvement initiatives and maintaining compliance with company policies, internal controls, and GAAP requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Controller to establish and maintain annual standard costs for all manufactured and purchased parts.
• Update new part costs and review engineering change requests to ensure Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, labor rates, and related cost structures are updated accurately and timely.
• Lead and support the plant-wide quoting and product costing process.
• Develop, analyze, and report material, labor, and overhead variances while recommending process improvements and cost reduction opportunities.
• Analyze inventory transactions and evaluate inventory control procedures to improve inventory accuracy in partnership with Logistics and Operations.
• Perform inventory reconciliations and support cycle count oversight activities.
• Ensure accurate reporting and analysis of shop orders, sample orders, scrap, and manufacturing variances.
• Conduct material balance reviews and time studies to support operational and cost improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets and forecasts.
• Prepare journal entries and support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
• Assist in monitoring and enforcing financial close deadlines to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Support preparation of financial statements, reporting packages, and KPI reporting for management.
• Perform margin analysis and support fixed asset accounting activities.
• Maintain knowledge of company policies and procedures while supporting internal control compliance and SOX requirements.
• Assist with internal and external audits, including preparation of supporting documentation and analysis.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
• Develop financial metrics, reporting tools, and internal communication methods to improve operational visibility.
• Cross-train and collaborate with the Plant Accountant to support departmental objectives and business continuity.
• Support internal and external customer requirements while maintaining a high level of responsiveness and professionalism.
• Maintain departmental efficiency and compliance with procedural requirements, including 5S standards.
• Perform special projects and additional duties as assigned by management.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of Accounting or Finance experience with progressive responsibility.
• Cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment required.
• Automotive industry experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and accounting mechanics.
• Experience with inventory accounting, inventory reconciliation, and cycle count processes.
• Familiarity with SOX compliance and internal control procedures.
• Experience with BOM/routing maintenance and manufacturing cost structures.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.