Senior Cost Manager

Vaco
$120,000.00 - $135,000.00 / yr
401(k), retirement plan
United States, Kentucky, Louisville
Jan 21, 2026
Position Summary The Senior Cost & Inventory Manager is responsible for leading cost accounting and inventory control activities to ensure accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and financial reporting. This role partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance leadership to improve cost visibility, strengthen internal controls, and support strategic decision-making within a manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Oversee inventory accounting and ensure GAAP-compliant inventory valuation Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and audit support documentation Analyze manufacturing productivity, cost performance, and financial results Lead the monthly close process related to inventory and cost accounting, including cost review packages, KPIs, and operational metrics Maintain and update financial models, templates, and reporting tools used internally and externally Prepare and update financial and operational forecasts, including variance analysis Develop cost and opportunity analyses to support business decisions Monitor and validate financial data across consolidated systems supporting manufacturing operations Participate in cross-functional initiatives focused on continuous improvement Design, monitor, and audit internal controls related to inventory and manufacturing costs, recommending corrective actions as needed Lead planning activities for assigned manufacturing operations and drive accountability to achieve operating plan targets Support budgeting, forecasting, and Annual Operating Plan (AOP) processes Coordinate physical inventory counts and investigate discrepancies Serve as a subject matter expert in cost accounting principles, inventory valuation methods, and GAAP compliance Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, cost drivers, margin analysis, and productivity metrics Ability to analyze complex financial and operational data and translate insights into actionable recommendations Proven experience building and maintaining strong internal controls and audit readiness Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills, including variance, cost, and performance analysis Experience working with ERP and consolidated financial systems, ensuring data accuracy and system integrity Strong ownership mindset with the ability to lead planning and forecasting processes Excellent organizational and time management skills in a deadline-driven environment Clear communication skills, with the ability to present financial results to both finance and non-finance stakeholders High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred 7-10 years of progressive experience in cost accounting and inventory management, preferably in a manufacturing environment Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.