Job Description

Job Title: Cost Accountant
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia – US005
Department: Finance – Dept. 552
Reports To: Assistant Controller
Level: Band 09

Position Summary

The Cost Accountant is responsible for supporting plant financial operations through accurate cost accounting, inventory analysis, budgeting, variance reporting, and financial controls. This position partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Logistics, Human Resources, and Corporate Finance to support manufacturing performance, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

The role requires strong analytical capabilities, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting continuous improvement initiatives and maintaining compliance with company policies, internal controls, and GAAP requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work directly with the Controller to establish and maintain annual standard costs for all manufactured and purchased parts.
• Update new part costs and review engineering change requests to ensure Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, labor rates, and related cost structures are updated accurately and timely.
• Lead and support the plant-wide quoting and product costing process.
• Develop, analyze, and report material, labor, and overhead variances while recommending process improvements and cost reduction opportunities.
• Analyze inventory transactions and evaluate inventory control procedures to improve inventory accuracy in partnership with Logistics and Operations.
• Perform inventory reconciliations and support cycle count oversight activities.
• Ensure accurate reporting and analysis of shop orders, sample orders, scrap, and manufacturing variances.
• Conduct material balance reviews and time studies to support operational and cost improvement initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets and forecasts.
• Prepare journal entries and support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close activities.
• Assist in monitoring and enforcing financial close deadlines to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Support preparation of financial statements, reporting packages, and KPI reporting for management.
• Perform margin analysis and support fixed asset accounting activities.
• Maintain knowledge of company policies and procedures while supporting internal control compliance and SOX requirements.
• Assist with internal and external audits, including preparation of supporting documentation and analysis.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.
• Develop financial metrics, reporting tools, and internal communication methods to improve operational visibility.
• Cross-train and collaborate with the Plant Accountant to support departmental objectives and business continuity.
• Support internal and external customer requirements while maintaining a high level of responsiveness and professionalism.
• Maintain departmental efficiency and compliance with procedural requirements, including 5S standards.
• Perform special projects and additional duties as assigned by management.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of Accounting or Finance experience with progressive responsibility.
• Cost accounting experience within a manufacturing environment required.
• Automotive industry experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and accounting mechanics.
• Experience with inventory accounting, inventory reconciliation, and cycle count processes.
• Familiarity with SOX compliance and internal control procedures.
• Experience with BOM/routing maintenance and manufacturing cost structures.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact across all organizational levels.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Experience with large ERP systems; Plex experience preferred.
• Ability to prioritize multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Experience supporting Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer workstation.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for keyboarding, data entry, and office equipment operation.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach throughout the facility.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to visually analyze detailed financial data, spreadsheets, reports, and computer screens.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.
• Ability to travel throughout the manufacturing facility, including production and warehouse areas.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in manufacturing areas, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toe shoes.
• Ability to work in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, moving equipment, and airborne particles.

Work Environment

This position operates in both office and manufacturing plant environments. The employee will regularly interact with production operations and may be exposed to manufacturing equipment, forklifts, noise, heat, and industrial conditions while on the production floor.

Tenneco is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.