Cost Accountant
Job Description
Cost Accountant
$85,000 - $100,000k; 10% bonus
Finance & Accounting Professional, are you ready to take your career to another level with an organization that will have your interest in mind first? For the past 20 years, CPS has been working with the largest employers, specifically for their accounting and finance needs. We work strategically with our clients to find and match the best accounting and finance professionals to help improve their business.
Here at CPS, Inc, we only work with our clients to directly place quality talent for permanent and full-time positions. Our experienced recruiters spend time getting to know you, what type of work and company culture you like, and what your career goals are moving forward. We use our experience and knowledge of our client companies to find the right match for you. If you are looking to build your career, ready to take on new challenges, and gain the experiences you have always wanted, we want to work with you!
Job Summary
The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for overseeing and analyzing cost structures within a Food & Beverage environment. This role ensures accurate cost reporting, inventory valuation, and margin analysis while supporting operational efficiency, pricing strategies, and profitability across production, procurement, and distribution functions.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Accounting & Analysis
- Develop and maintain standard costing models for food, beverage, and packaging items
- Analyze variances between actual and standard costs (materials, labor, overhead)
- Monitor cost of goods sold (COGS) and identify trends impacting profitability
- Conduct menu and recipe costing, including yield and portion analysis
Inventory Management
- Oversee inventory accounting, including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
- Reconcile inventory discrepancies and manage cycle counts/physical counts
- Monitor spoilage, waste, and shrinkage; recommend corrective actions
Financial Reporting
- Prepare monthly cost reports, margin analysis, and management dashboards
- Support month-end and year-end close processes related to inventory and COGS
- Ensure compliance with GAAP/IFRS and internal financial controls
Operational Support
- Partner with procurement, production, and culinary teams to optimize costs
- Evaluate supplier pricing, contracts, and cost-saving opportunities
- Support new product development (NPD) with cost estimates and feasibility analysis
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Assist in annual budgeting and rolling forecasts for cost centers
- Track actual performance vs. budget and explain variances
- Provide actionable insights to improve operational efficiency
Systems & Process Improvement
- Maintain and improve ERP systems and costing modules
- Implement best practices in cost accounting, inventory control, and reporting
- Drive automation and data accuracy initiatives
#LI-CS1
Job Requirements
Required Qualifications
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Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 2–5+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably in Food & Beverage, manufacturing, or hospitality
- Experience with inventory-heavy environments and perishable goods
Technical Skills
- Strong knowledge of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory accounting
- Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, modeling, data analysis)
Industry Knowledge
- Understanding of food production processes, recipe costing, and yield management
- Familiarity with HACCP, food safety standards, and supply chain dynamics