Cost Accountant | Manistee, MI

Salary Range: $68,000 - $102,000 depending on experience

Are you a meticulous professional with a passion for analyzing costs and driving financial efficiency? The Pivot Group is dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We are collaborating with companies in Manistee seeking experienced Cost Accountants.

The Opportunity

We collaborate with manufacturing companies in the Manistee region seeking Cost Accountants. These employers partner with us because they want real insight into candidates—not just resumes. By joining our network, you gain access to roles worth considering.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing costs, actual versus standard, and report on variances.
• Develop and maintain accurate standard costs for raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
• Manage inventory valuation, including obsolescence and slow-moving stock analysis.
• Prepare detailed cost reports and participate in budgeting and forecasting activities.
• Conduct product costing, profitability analysis, and make-or-buy decisions.
• Support the month-end close process by preparing cost-related journal entries and reconciliations.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities and process improvements within manufacturing operations.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 3-5 years of experience in cost accounting, preferably within a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, inventory valuation, and general ledger reconciliation
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and their impact on cost drivers
• CPA or CMA certification preferred

Bonus Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, SQL, advanced Excel)
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
• Strong understanding of ERP systems specifically related to manufacturing costing modules (e.g., SAP CO-PC, Oracle EBS Cost Management)
• Project management experience related to finance or costing system implementations

Job Titles That Should Apply

Cost Accountant, Senior Cost Accountant, Cost Analyst, Management Accountant, Manufacturing Cost Accountant, Inventory Cost Accountant, Product Cost Analyst, Cost Accounting Specialist

Why Pivot Group

The Pivot Group was founded by manufacturing professionals who've been on both sides of the hiring process. Our clients are strategic—they partner with us because they want real insight into their roles and the people filling them, not a stack of resumes. We focus on match-driven placements built around what actually matters: Commute, Compensation, Culture, and Career trajectory.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and connect with a firm that values fit over speed, we invite you to reach out. The Pivot Group offers resources to support your search—market insights, resume feedback, and interview preparation. As our partnerships grow, we'll reach out with opportunities aligned with your goals. Thank you for considering this approach to career advancement.