Cost Accountant (contract)

Job Description

The HT Group is currently partnering with a NE Detroit-based manufacturer in the search for a qualified Cost Accountant for a 4-month contract opportunity.

Contract – Onsite (NE Detroit) - $35-40/hr – W2

The Cost Accountant will join a lean finance and operations team of a growing manufacturer. The role’s primary objective is to ensure accuracy of product costing, manage inventory cost flows, analyze cost variances, support quarter-end/month-end close, and drive cost control initiatives. Potential conversion to a permanent cost accounting position for the right mix of experience and culture fit.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Variance Analysis

• Establish and update standard costs for materials, labor and overhead across products and production lines.
• Analyze manufacturing cost variances: material usage/price, labor efficiency/variance, overhead absorption, scrap/rework.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and variance summaries for plant leadership and finance.
• Support product line profitability review and cost modelling for new products or process changes.

Inventory & Production Accounting

• Perform monthly reconciliation of raw materials, WIP and finished goods: ERP vs GL, inventory valuation, obsolescence/scrap reserves.
• Coordinate physical inventory/cycle count procedures and follow-up on discrepancies.
• Work with operations/engineering to identify waste, process inefficiencies, cost reduction opportunities.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Continuous Improvement

• Assist with annual budget preparation and quarterly cost forecasting for manufacturing operations.
• Provide cost-impact analysis of process improvements, capital projects, design changes or new product introductions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (Operations, Procurement, Engineering) to drive continuous cost improvement and lean accounting practices.

Internal Controls & Reporting

• Ensure cost accounting policies, standard costing and inventory valuations align with company standards (GAAP or internal).
• Maintain documentation and support for internal/external audits relating to cost/inventory.
• Participate in finance/operational systems improvement (ERP cost modules, dashboards, Power BI/Excel automation).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field. CPA, CMA, or pursuing certification is a plus.
• Minimum 2 years of cost accounting, manufacturing finance or plant accounting experience. Experience with a high‐volume manufacturing plant is preferred.
• Experience with Sage 500 or MAS 500 ERP systems required.
• Intermediate-to-advanced MS Excel proficiency required.
• Experience with BOMs, work‐orders, routers, cost-rollups.
• Excellent analytical skills, detail-oriented, with the ability to explain cost variances and partner with operations.
• Ability to work in a fast‐paced manufacturing environment during contract period and proactively transition to a permanent mindset.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills: will work across finance, operations, procurement, engineering.