Director of Cost Accounting

Get ready to grow with us!

Northwest Pipe Company is the nation’s leading manufacturer of water infrastructure products and with over 50 years of experience, we’re just getting started! Our business is growing, and we’re looking for great people to grow with us. We’re immediately seeking a Director of Cost Accounting to join our Northwest Pipe team in Vancouver, WA.

We Offer

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Time
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Match
• Bonus Potential (2x per year)
• Up to $5,000 per year Tuition Reimbursement
• Safety Footwear and Eyewear Voucher (Day 1 of Employment)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Opportunities for Career Advancement
• Values-Driven Culture Committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Safety

Our Values

• Accountability is evident when we do what we say we are going to do and people accept responsibility for their actions. We do not point fingers and blame others. We own our actions.
• Commitment is not only promising to do something, but actually investing in the necessary effort and actions to make it happen.
• Teamwork is essential for competing in a challenging and constantly changing business environment. Working together across all job functions is critical to achieving our success.

About the Job

The Director of Cost Accounting will lead and oversee the cost accounting functions within the organization. This leadership role is responsible for managing the cost accounting team and ensuring the accurate and timely reporting of all operations-related financial data. The Director will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Sales, and FP&A, to provide critical insights that drive strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.

Essential Functions & Major Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the cost accounting team, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and accountability within the team.
• Contribute to the monthly and quarterly close process, specifically in ensuring consistent application of methodologies and accounting policies, along with the planning, coordination and scheduling of the monthly and quarterly close activities
• Oversee the development and maintenance of accurate cost accounting systems, including standard cost development and cost allocation.
• Direct the cost accounting process, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Provide detailed analysis of manufacturing costs, inventory valuation, and cost of goods sold (COGS).
• Work with department heads to assist in the development of forecasts.
• Partner with senior management to support strategic initiatives and provide financial analysis related to product pricing, cost management, and profitability.
• Lead the implementation of cost accounting best practices and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Provide technical financial advice and knowledge to others within the organization
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures related to cost accounting.
• Maintain and perform selected internal control procedures, and document performance
• Oversee the preparation and review of audit schedules and work closely with external auditors during the annual audit process.
• Participate in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) analysis, due diligence, and integration planning.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in cost accounting and integrate relevant changes into the organization.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of cost accounting principles, including standard costing, variance analysis, and cost allocation.
• Proficiency in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Experience in the application of GAAP and an understanding of internal controls
• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in cost accounting or financial management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, including supervisory experience.
• Experience in a publicly traded company is preferred.
• Strong background in manufacturing, production, or a related industry is preferred.
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience working with SAP or other major enterprise-wide application.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Full list of anticipated physical demands for this position and detail on our work environment is available on our application portal. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Our organization maintains a drug-free workplace. Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successful passing of a drug test and background check.

Northwest Pipe Company is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. Minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Northwest Pipe Company reserves the right to close the position, with or without notice, if a qualified candidate is identified prior to the close date.