Senior Cost Accountant

Sr. Cost Accountant

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Pay: $45-60/hr

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Sr. Cost Accountant to join our finance and accounting team. This position will play a critical role in managing cost accounting functions, analyzing manufacturing and operational costs, supporting financial reporting, and providing insights to drive business performance. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in cost analysis, inventory accounting, budgeting, and ERP systems within a manufacturing or distribution environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze product costs, manufacturing variances, and operational expenses
• Prepare and maintain standard cost calculations and cost models
• Monitor inventory transactions and perform inventory reconciliations
• Evaluate labor, material, and overhead costs to identify trends and cost-saving opportunities
• Assist with month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities
• Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial analysis reports
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes
• Partner with operations and production teams to improve cost visibility and profitability
• Participate in physical inventory counts and cycle count programs
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and company policies
• Assist with audits and special financial projects as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of accounting experience, including cost accounting responsibilities
• Manufacturing, distribution, or industrial accounting experience preferred
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting and standard costing methodologies
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, and financial modeling
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, NetSuite, or similar platforms
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or progress toward certification preferred
• Experience with inventory management and production reporting
• Knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements
• Experience supporting budgeting and forecasting processes
• Continuous improvement or process optimization experience

Compensation

• $45-60/hr

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

- Yearly bonuses depending on production and company performance - Total Rewards Package - Growth Opportunities - Competitive Pay -Flexible Work Schedule

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chattanooga,TN.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.