Cost Accounting Manager

Our client is a publicly traded, NYSE-listed industrial manufacturer with nearly 100 years of operating history and a reputation as a global leader in fluid handling systems and equipment. Headquartered in the Midwest, the company generates over $2.2 billion in annual revenue and employs approximately 4,000 people worldwide.

The company designs, manufactures, and markets equipment used to move, measure, mix, control, dispense, and spray fluid and powder materials across three core divisions: Contractor, Industrial, and Process. Their products serve a broad range of end markets including manufacturing, construction, automotive, and commercial maintenance — distributed through a global network of third-party distributors and OEM partners.

Known for its innovation-driven culture and long-tenured leadership team, the company has built a track record of consistent profitability, strategic acquisitions, and strong margins. With over $570 million in operating income in its most recent fiscal year and a balance sheet exceeding $3 billion in total assets, this is a well-capitalized, financially disciplined organization with significant runway for continued growth.

As an Accounting or Cost Accounting Manager here, you'll be working within a lean, high-performing finance organization where your contributions are seen and your voice carries weight. The company's manufacturing-heavy model means cost accounting is core to how decisions get made — you'll be partnering directly with operations and leadership on the numbers that matter.

Beyond the work itself, the company offers the stability of a well-capitalized public company with strong margins and a track record of strategic investment — including a growing acquisition pipeline. That means career growth isn't just a talking point; it's built into the fabric of how the organization operates.

If you're a finance professional who wants to do meaningful work, grow within a best-in-class industrial platform, and be part of a team that's been winning for decades — this is the seat for you.

Got it — here's the anonymized JD:

Cost Accounting Manager

Location: Minneapolis, MN (Onsite)
About the Company
Our client is a NYSE-listed global industrial manufacturer with nearly 100 years of operating history and over $2.2 billion in annual revenue. With a reputation for operational excellence and financial discipline, this is a best-in-class platform for a senior cost accounting leader looking to make a meaningful impact.

What You Will Do
Cost Accounting Strategy, Systems & Controls

Own and evolve the company's cost accounting strategy, including the long-term roadmap for product costing, inventory valuation, and overhead absorption as the business grows and manufacturing complexity increases
Develop, maintain, and enhance cost accounting systems, processes, and internal controls to accurately track product costs, overhead, and inventory across global operations
Analyze, calculate, and report actual and standard product costs — including direct labor, materials, and overhead — and translate results into insights that support pricing, margin management, and operating decisions
Partner with operations, supply chain, and finance leadership to evaluate cost drivers, structural cost opportunities, and tradeoffs related to footprint, automation, sourcing, and capital investments
Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual cost-related financial results and actively contribute to management discussions on cost performance, trends, and risks
Ensure strong internal controls and compliance with GAAP and company policies related to manufacturing accounting, inventory, and COGS
Develop documentation and analysis to support internal and external audits, including cost accounting and inventory audits

Inventory Control & Operational Partnership

Provide leadership over inventory integrity, production accounting, and inventory update processes across factories and distribution centers
Lead and develop a team of inventory and cost accounting professionals responsible for monitoring inventory accuracy, valuation, and movement throughout the organization
Work closely with manufacturing and distribution leaders to identify, plan, and implement inventory and cost reduction initiatives, and evaluate the financial impact of operating decisions
Serve as a key financial partner to operations by translating inventory and cost data into actionable insights that improve working capital, service levels, and cost performance

Team Leadership & Financial Management

Lead, mentor, manage, and staff a cost accounting team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and promoting a culture of leadership excellence
Drive team performance by setting clear goals, providing ongoing feedback, and facilitating professional growth opportunities
Establish, manage, and be accountable for the annual cost accounting and inventory control budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and alignment with strategic objectives


What You Will Bring

Bachelor's degree in Accounting required
CPA or CMA certification required
7+ years of corporate accounting experience
5+ years of manufacturing cost accounting experience, including inventory control and production processes
4+ years of team leadership experience
Strong knowledge of GAAP and cost accounting principles in a manufacturing environment
Proficiency with ERP systems; Oracle preferred
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and present actionable recommendations to leadership
Exceptional communication and presentation skills
Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time, domestically and internationally

Preferred

Master's degree
Global industrial manufacturing experience


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