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We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Cost Accountant to lead a cost accounting project at a mid-sized manufacturing company. This is a high-impact consulting role designed to establish accurate costing practices, strengthen variance analysis, and lay the foundation for scalable, standardized processes. The ideal consultant will bring a strong cost accounting background, excellent Excel skills, and the ability to partner with operations, finance, and IT to clean up outdated assumptions, fix inaccurate data, and deliver clear, actionable reporting.

+ Assess and clean up current cost accounting data, identifying and correcting erroneous cost rolls and system-driven inaccuracies.

+ Establish and document a reliable standard costing process, including accurate assumptions for materials, labor, and overhead.

+ Conduct variance analysis to uncover and explain material, labor, and overhead deviations; provide actionable recommendations to leadership.

+ Collaborate with operations, supply chain, and IT teams to clarify transactions, system logic, and reporting inconsistencies.

+ Perform time studies and validate production standards to align financial assumptions with shop floor realities.

+ Design and implement improved processes for cost rolls, variance tracking, and reconciliation, while documenting procedures for long-term adoption.

+ Support monthly close activities and ensure accurate inventory valuation under standard costing principles.

+ Serve as a subject matter expert to educate and guide non-financial stakeholders on cost accounting concepts and system functionality.

+ Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CMA or CPA preferred.

+ 10-15+ years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing, with demonstrated success in building or restructuring costing processes.

+ Strong expertise in standard costing, overhead allocation, variance analysis, and inventory valuation.

+ Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills (experience with Infor SyteLine ERP and FOCUS financial reporting is helpful but not required).

+ Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.

+ Ability to explain financial data to non-financial stakeholders and build trust across departments.

+ Experience conducting time studies and partnering with production teams to validate operational assumptions is highly desirable.

+ Strong communication and documentation skills, with the ability to lay groundwork for sustainable process improvement.

+ Work onsite 2-3 days/week in Mentor, Ohio

+ Hybrid 2-3 days/week in Mentor, Ohio

+ Variety of workplace arrangements including hybrid, remote, onsite.

+ Compensation commensurate with employee qualifications, experience, and other factors including geographic location, market, and operational factors.

+ Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Disability insurance, 401(k) savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase plan, Professional development program, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Time (in geographies where legally required)

+ An inspirational place for you to do your best work, be engaged in meaningful ways, and continually develop the skills, competencies, and qualities that set our team apart.

At RGP, we're creating a future where businesses produce their best work without constraints. We've built a global network of over 2,600 experts across four regions, providing a comprehensive suite of solutions across on-demand talent, next-generation consulting, and outsourced services to support organizations at every stage of their growth journey. Trusted by Fortune 100 companies and emerging disruptors alike, we challenge conventional ways of working, drive growth, and pave the way for long-term success through bold innovation and fearless collaboration.

Our values guide everything we do and strengthen our commitment to people. By combining smart processes, human-centered design, and advanced technology, we celebrate our team's excellence and ensure we grow together. We believe in the power of continuous learning and development to drive both individual and organizational success. It’s time to rethink how work gets done. Dare to Work Differently® with RGP.

RGP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected trait and encourage all applicants to apply.