Cost Accountant | Manistee, MI

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

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for analyzing costs and driving financial efficiency? The Pivot Group Network, a West Michigan manufacturing-focused recruiting group, is committed to fostering meaningful relationships and supporting career growth. We partner with leading manufacturing companies in Manistee, seeking experienced Cost Accountants to strengthen their teams.

We are building our network of talent in this field across West Michigan and the broader manufacturing region Pivot Group Network serves. Our partner companies may or may not have an immediate opening for this exact role today, but we actively look for skilled professionals in the regions where they operate. If there is alignment now or in the near future, we reach out.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with organizations in Manistee that are seeking Cost Accountants. These companies are committed to building strong teams and are looking for professionals who can lead initiatives effectively. By connecting with The Pivot Group Network, you position yourself for roles that match your background and aspirations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain standard product costs.
• Analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead) and report on root causes.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates for new products and engineering changes.
• Support the annual budgeting and forecasting processes, specifically for cost of goods sold.
• Perform inventory valuation and reconcile physical inventory to the general ledger.
• Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities across production processes.
• Provide financial analysis and support for make-or-buy decisions.

Recommended Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation methods.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.
• CPA or CMA certification preferred.

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience with ERP system implementation or optimization
• Advanced Excel modeling skills (e.g., VBA, Power Query)
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma
• Experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

Job Titles That Should Apply

Cost Accountant, Cost Analyst, Financial Analyst - Costing, Senior Cost Accountant, Manager of Cost Accounting, Cost Controller, Product Cost Accountant, Manufacturing Cost Accountant, Inventory Cost Accountant

Why The Pivot Group Network

The Pivot Group Network 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. Learn more at https://www.thepivotgroup.org.

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 at https://www.thepivotgroup.org. The Pivot Group Network 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.