Cost Accounting Manager

Description We are looking for a Cost Accounting Manager to support our month-end close process, drive accurate inventory costing, and strengthen our cost accounting infrastructure across manufacturing and distribution operations. Initially, we need someone who is ready to roll up their sleeves and do a significant amount of hands-on, manual work—getting close to the existing processes, understanding them in detail, and preparing them for automation. Over time, this person will partner with Editorial, Engraving, Procurement, Operations, Distribution, Licensing, and Sales to improve profitability and support strategic decision-making. This is a hybrid position requiring approximately 10% onsite presence at our Winona office. Key responsibilities Cost Accounting & Inventory Management:  Lead cost accounting for printed music, books, digital products, gifts, and accessories. Maintain inventory costing records for raw materials, work in progress (WIP), and finished goods. Review new product cost builds. Manage inventory valuation and reserves. Review and resolve aged WIP with Operations. Oversee landed costs and annual cost updates. Prepare variance reporting and analysis. Develop and maintain process documentation. Financial Close & Reporting: Manage the monthly close process. Review inventory and COGS journal entries. Prepare account reconciliations. Support financial reporting and audits. Product & Margin Analysis: Analyze profitability by product division and go-to-market channel. Support pricing decisions. Recommend margin improvement opportunities. Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Analyze printing, freight, and distribution costs. Support sourcing decisions. Monitor inventory turnover. Budgeting & Forecasting: Support budgeting and forecasting activities. Analyze budget-to-actual variances. Develop cost assumptions. Systems & Process Improvement: Improve ERP costing processes. Automate reporting. Develop KPI dashboards to support quality, cost, and delivery performance. Support inventory and purchasing system transitions. Leadership: Lead and mentor team members. Establish team goals and performance expectations. Identify and propose automation opportunities to improve efficiency. Requirements We're looking for an automation mindset—someone who doesn't just tolerate repetitive processes but actively looks for patterns, identifies inefficiencies, and seeks opportunities to streamline or automate work using Excel, ERP tools, scripts, or other solutions, rather than waiting to be asked. Experience & Background: 5+ years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing and/or distribution environments. Experience with advanced ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite). Experience with Microsoft Navision and AS400 is preferred. Experience developing and maintaining process documentation. Ability to work in a hybrid environment. Education & Certifications: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA, CMA, or CCA (Certified Cost Accountant) designation preferred but not required. Technical Skills: Advanced Excel skills (PivotTables, XLOOKUP, financial modeling). Familiarity with standard costing, actual costing, and/or average costing methodologies. Experience with general ledger accounting and journal entries. Strong working knowledge of US GAAP and cost accounting principles. Analytical & Soft Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. High attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to lead both contractors and full-time employees toward shared departmental goals. Comfortable presenting financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Collaborative team player with experience working cross-functionally across Operations, Supply Chain, and FP&A.