What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cost Accountant position at Diversified Recruitment Services, LLC?
We are seeking a detail-oriented Cost Accountant with strong experience in product quoting and new product costing within the automotive manufacturing environment. This role plays a critical part in supporting pricing strategy, profitability analysis, and cost control initiatives across current and new product lines. The ideal candidate has a solid accounting foundation, understands manufacturing cost structures, and collaborates closely with engineering, sales, and operations teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate product cost estimates and quotes for new and existing automotive products
- Develop and maintain new product costing models, including labor, material, overhead, and tooling
- Partner with engineering and program management during new product launches to validate cost assumptions
- Analyze BOMs, routings, and manufacturing processes to ensure accurate costing
- Support RFQ responses by providing detailed cost breakdowns and margin analysis
- Perform variance analysis (material, labor, overhead) and recommend corrective actions
- Maintain and update standard costs and participate in annual cost roll-ups
- Monitor cost drivers, identify savings opportunities, and support continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting policies
- Assist with month-end close related to inventory, WIP, and cost of goods sold
- Prepare reports and presentations for management to support pricing and profitability decisions
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (required)
- 3 years of experience as a Cost Accountant in a manufacturing environment
- Proven experience with product quoting and new product costing
- Automotive industry experience strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing accounting
- Proficiency in Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, cost models)
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, or similar)
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Automotive Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier experience
- Experience supporting program launches or RFQs
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
- CPA or CMA designation (a plus, not required)
Key Competencies
- Cost modeling and financial analysis
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical teams