Cost Accountant Job Description

What is the job description of a Cost Accountant? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Cost Accountant? What does a Cost Accountant do?

Job description of a Cost Accountant

Cost Accountants help businesses by overseeing and analyzing cost expenditures and purchases within the organization. They review services and goods, record data and make recommendations about cost-efficient and financially feasible cost options.

This Cost Accountant job description example includes the list of most important Cost Accountant duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Cost Accountant profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Cost Accountant Duties and Responsibilities

Cost Accountant job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Collect cost information and maintain an expenses database
  • Construct data accumulation systems
  • Analyze and report profit margins
  • Prepare (monthly, quarterly and annual) cost forecasts
  • Assisting in month-end and year-end closing
  • Identify and recommend cost-effective solutions
  • Determine fixed costs (e.g. salaries, rent and insurance)
  • Plan and record variable costs (e.g. purchases of raw material and operations costs)
  • Review standard and actual costs for inaccuracies
  • Prepare budgeting reports (for the company and for each department)

Cost Accountant Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Cost Accountant job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • B.Sc degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant study
  • Proven work experience as a Cost Accountant, Cost Analyst, Accountant or similar role
  • Thorough knowledge of accounting procedures
  • Excellent analytical skills with an attention to detail
  • Strong time management skills
  • Integrity, with an ability to handle confidential information
  • In-depth understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Experience with accounting software, like FreshBooks and Zoho
  • Computer literacy, MS Excel in particular (familiarity with VLOOKUPs and pivot tables)

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Cost Accountant starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Cost Accountant job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Cost Accountant may also reference it in preparation for the interview.