The HT Group
Contract – Onsite (NE Detroit) - $35-40/hr – W2
The Cost Accountant will join a lean finance and operations team at a growing manufacturer. The primary goal 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 is possible 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; high‑volume manufacturing plant experience 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. Location: Detroit, MI (NE Detroit). Contract length: 4 months. Salary range: $35‑40/hour (contract). Potential permanent salary: $85,000‑$110,000/year.
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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; high‑volume manufacturing plant experience 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. Location: Detroit, MI (NE Detroit). Contract length: 4 months. Salary range: $35‑40/hour (contract). Potential permanent salary: $85,000‑$110,000/year.
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