COST ACCOUNTANT SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: August 22, 2024 - The Cost Accountant comes with a solid background in manufacturing or project-based companies, highlighted by proven skills in developing and improving working procedures and processes. Proficiency in Microsoft products and essential knowledge of SAP Business One are fundamental, alongside expertise in Power Query in Excel. Known for being highly organized and efficient, this role demands the ability to work under pressure, manage competing workloads effectively, and drive process improvements independently or as part of a team.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Cost Accountant Resume
  • Financial Reporting
  • Cost Analysis
  • SAP Business One
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Budget Management
  • Inventory Management
  • Variance Analysis
  • ERP Systems
  • Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Financial Forecasting
  • Attention to Detail
  • Logical Decision Making
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Time Management
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Presentation Skills
  • Self-Motivation
  • Stress Management

Summary of Cost Accountant Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Accounting with 5 years of Experience

  • Previous experience in manufacturing/ project-based companies
  • Good communication skills.
  • Must be able to demonstrate good attention to detail and good judgment showing logical decision making and the ability to take a hands-on approach.
  • Proven ability to develop and improve working procedures and processes.
  • Highly organised and efficient with ability to work under pressure, manage a diverse and competing workload ensuring deadlines are met.
  • Proficient in Microsoft products.
  • Ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of SAP Business one essential.
  • Self-motivated individual who will drive process improvements 
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills as well as presentation skills.
  • Experience with Power Query in Excel
  • Strong leadership, and planning skills.

2. BA in Finance with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in industry or public accounting, preferably in manufacturing environment 
  • Experience with SAP and Quickbooks 
  • Strong Microsoft Office experience, specifically advanced use of Microsoft Excel.
  • Ability to work independently and quickly pick up new tasks and projects.
  • Diligent work ethic and consistently dependable to meet deadlines.
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Agility and ability to adapt and add value in a start-up environment 
  • A strong collaboration and learning orientation.
  • Ability to read and write in both English and Mandarin 
  • Highly flexible with solid interpersonal skills to handle ambiguities and continuous improvement
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team coupled with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to work with large volumes of data and identify the most critical points.
  • Experience with sophisticated ERP systems
  • Experience within manufacturing, pharmaceutical or GMP 

3. BA in Business Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • High level of integrity and accountability with results-orientation and a strong ability for prioritization
  • Strong technology skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
  • Ability to partner effectively with business leaders, including strong (internal) customer service skills
  • Ability to effectively work with individuals remotely (through telecommunications)
  • Accounting experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience with Oracle E-Business Suite (Manufacturing and Financials) 
  • Must have a strong Cost systems background and have excellent analytical skills.
  • Sound understanding of accounting and inventory principals.
  • Strong Excel and pivot table skills (experience with data tools to pull data a plus).
  • Experience working with engineering and manufacturing personnel on development and analysis of cost standards.
  • Strong user of a mid to top tier financial ERP system. 
  • Have a deep understanding of how an ERP cost system works, how to access the data, and how to go about making adjustments.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Enjoy a fast-growing environment where change is the norm. 
  • Collaborative, team-oriented style with a helpful demeanor and intellectual curiosity.

4. BA in Economics with 2 years of Experience

  • Must be highly skilled in dealing with financial and numeric analysis, with meticulous attention to details
  • Must be proficient in use of excel spreadsheets
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Ability to prioritize needs and meet deadlines while remaining flexible
  • Knowledge of ERP cost accounting required, Netsuite 
  • Strong Microsoft Excel and Google suite (Drive, Sheets, Slides)
  • Very skilled at working with large amounts of data
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Experience in the Consumer Products, Manufacturing and/or Retail industries 
  • Manufacturing experience
  • Accuracy, attention to detail, well organized, ability to meet deadlines
  • Experience with report writing tools
  • Experience with Oracle and Hyperion desirable
  • Ability to establish credibility and be decisive and able to recognize and support the organization's preferences and priorities

5. BA in Management Information Systems with 6 years of Experience

  • Manufacturing accounting experience or Standard Cost experience.
  • Must have a strong Cost systems background and have excellent analytical skills.
  • Experience working with engineering and manufacturing personnel on development and analysis of cost standards.
  • Ability to accurately prepare daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
  • Extensive knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
  • Strong Computer Skills in Microsoft Office, Accounting Software, and ERP Systems.
  • Ability to develop complex Excel spreadsheets.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy..
  • Planning and organizing.
  • Knowledge of economic principles.
  • Ability to meet communicated schedules and deadlines.
  • Able to handle multiple projects in a given time, including during deadline periods.
  • Ability to function as a team player.
  • Demonstrates integrity, is forthright, accepts responsibility, is personally accountable, straightforward, truthful, and of good character.
  • Ability to develop an effective plan, and anticipates and prevents problems.

6. BA in Accounting with 5 years of Experience

  • Finance or accounting experience, preferably in the construction industry
  • Oracle EBS and MS Access experience
  • Can be a combination of education, training and relevant experience
  • Knowledge of Oracle Enterprise Business Suite or other Enterprise level Finance package 
  • Ability to understand and follow standard operating policies and procedures
  • Ability to perform duties in a professional manner and appearance
  • Proficient in using a computer and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.), Oracle 
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, changing priorities 
  • Ability to work under time pressure and adapt to changing requirements with a positive attitude
  • Effective oral and written communication skills as required for the position
  • Ability to be self-motivated, proactive and an effective team player
  • Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, and others
  • Flexible and adaptable to change
  • Ability to sit continuously at a computer

7. BA in Finance with 3 years of Experience

  • Extensive knowledge of cost accounting.
  • Understanding of and ability to adhere to GAAP principles.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
  • Solid analytical and creative skills blended with practicality.
  • Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple projects.
  • Strong technical and accounting skills
  • Strong organizational skills and must be extremely detail oriented.
  • Proven ability to manage and prioritize work to meet deadlines
  • Strong independent work ethic, with the ability to adapt to new systems and collaborate cross-functionally
  • Has a natural competitiveness for identifying opportunities, and driving results.
  • Must have developed customer/colleague relationship skills with strong service orientation.
  • Experience with GL Wand / Report Wand - Oracle Reporting interface or similar software desirable

8. BA in Business Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Advanced knowledge of mathematics and statistics
  • Understanding of organizational accounting concepts.
  • Strong understanding of costing and costing analysis skills.
  • Knowledge of ERP software.
  • In-depth knowledge of costing BOM’s, routings, material, labor and overhead.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Effective communication, including writing, speaking and active listening.
  • Collaboration and teamwork.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office
  • Positive attitude and team player.
  • Experience working in a cost accounting role with a strong understanding of the requirements of a cost accounting system.
  • Experience in a manufacturing or research and development organization

9. BA in Economics with 4 years of Experience

  • High proficiency with Microsoft Excel, and ERP system
  • Manufacturing/Industrial experience or NAV experience 
  • Above average written and verbal communication skills
  • Must be able to interface with all departments
  • Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment helpful
  • Must have a cost accounting background working in a manufacturing environment
  • Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
  • Experience implementing an ERP
  • Must have the ability to manage and analyze large data sets
  • Excellent Excel skills
  • Preference is to have worked in an environment with multiple operating units
  • Strong understanding of costing methods
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.
  • Experience working in a multi-entity organization.

10. BA in Management Information Systems with 5 years of Experience

  • Accounting/finance experience in a manufacturing business
  • Previous experience in labor and fixed/variable overhead reporting and analysis, process-driven cost systems, yield analysis, inventory costs, financial modeling, new product development costing and profitability analysis
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with high experience in Excel
  • Experience with Oracle or similar accounting program
  • Ability to apply advanced math functions and reasoning
  • Highly motivated, confident and independent worker
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and drive processes.
  • Experience encompassing cost accounting, inventory accounting & month-end close
  • JD Edwards Enterprise One version 9.1 experience
  • Knowledge of GAAP