Position: Cost Accountant 

Location: Cincinnati, OH (CVG)

SUMMARY

The Cost Accountant supports L2 Aviation’s manufacturing and service operations by developing and maintaining cost accounting systems, analyzing production variances, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. This position provides financial visibility into manufacturing performance, inventory valuation, and margin analysis to support executive decision-making. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, a background in cost accounting or manufacturing finance, and experience in aerospace or other complex production environments.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintain and reconcile cost accounting systems to accurately capture labor, material, and overhead for all production and engineering projects.
• Prepare and analyze standard cost models for manufactured assemblies, LRUs, and harnesses to support pricing and profitability decisions.
• Monitor work order variances, labor efficiency, and material usage to identify and explain cost drivers.
• Support monthly closing activities including inventory valuation, cost of goods sold reconciliation, and variance analysis.
• Collaborate with Production and Engineering to establish labor routings, and cost structures that reflect current manufacturing methods.
• Assist in annual budget preparation and quarterly forecasting for manufacturing cost centers and overhead pools.
• Partner with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to evaluate supplier pricing trends and cost reduction opportunities.
• Maintain control of inventory accounting processes including physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and valuation adjustments.
• Develop and track metrics related to production cost performance, efficiency, and absorption rates.
• Provide financial input for capital investment decisions, make-versus-buy analysis, and manufacturing process changes.
• Support external audits and ensure compliance with GAAP and internal control policies.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen cost transparency and reporting accuracy.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of cost accounting or financial analysis experience in a manufacturing or aerospace environment.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, cost allocation, and inventory valuation principles.
• Proficiency in ERP/accounting software (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, QuickBooks, or similar) with a preference for Global Shop Solutions experience.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify variances, and communicate findings clearly to leadership.
• Proficient in Excel and data analysis tools with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills to partner with engineering, production, and operations leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Must be available for occasional weekend and after-hours work
• Must pass background verification, pre-employment drug testing, and submit to company's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Program.
• Must be legally able to work in the USA and supply required supporting documentation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described here is representative of those required by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

This position operates in a professional office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment, including computers, phones, printers, and scanners. The role is primarily sedentary and involves extended periods of computer use.

The employee will work onsite during regular business hours (e.g., Monday through Friday), with occasional overtime as needed during peak periods such as month-end or year-end close. The role involves frequent interaction with cross-functional teams and may require access to confidential financial data. The environment is structured, deadline-driven, and compliance-focused.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Reports to: Controller

Manages: None

Career Path: Accountant

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities. The job description does not constitute an employment contract and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.