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Cost Accountant

Columbus McKinnon

Brighton, MI · Posted October 30, 2026

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  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • ERP
  • Budgeting
  • Power BI

About the job

Job Summary/Overview

The Cost Accountant applies principles of cost accounting to conduct studies which provide cost information not supplied by general accounting systems. This position investigates and determines the cause of cost variances and variance to budgets. The Cost Accountant assists in any activities related to costing and inventory while ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supports manufacturing accounting function including general accounting, cost accounting, budgeting, inventory accounting & control, both standard & job cost generation and management of Bills of Material.

Research and investigate cycle count discrepancies and work with Supervisors and floor associates to initiate corrective actions related to these discrepancies.

Review all costs including labor, material, burden, expense items, work in process inventory, and profit and loss.

Maintain inventory cycle counting procedures, cycle count entry and periodic reporting.

Maintain cost system, evaluation of current vs. standard cost for monthly reporting and annual standard roll process.

Maintain job cost system for engineered products and assist in the analysis of the profitability of those products.

Monthly reporting of production variances.

Assist in Month end close process

Plans, studies and collects data to determine costs of business activity such as raw material purchases, inventory and labor.

Records cost information for analysis and distribution to other departments.

Reviews standard versus current costs and investigates variances.

Compiles cost information to be used in operating budget preparation.

Prepares inventory and productivity reports daily, weekly, and monthly.

Tracks and reviews capital spending projects.

Other Accounting duties as needed.

Travel may be required within Columbus McKinnon Corp’s domestic footprint. Travel Percentage Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities

Computer experience with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Power BI. Advanced Excel knowledge preferred.

Experience with Bill of Materials, Standard Cost, Job Cost, Average Cost, etc.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, percentages, and volume.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and correspondence such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups and associates.

Comply with company rules, policies and safety/environmental regulations.

Experience with SAGE 100 ERP preferred.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Accounting from a four-year college or university

3+ years’ experience