5 Amazing cost accountant Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

If you're the one who's always handed the check at restaurants and asked to calculate the tip, it's no wonder you went into cost accounting. You're not just great with numbers. Preparing journal entries is probably your jam too. However, even for the most experienced financial wizards, landing a new position without an attention-grabbing cost accountant resume can be challenging. On average, hiring managers and recruiters spend less than a minute reviewing a resume before making a decision about an interview. Making the most of that time requires more than just conveying your years of experience with budgeting, month-end closing, data analysis, and financial reporting. You also need to format that experience in a way that lends itself to a quick scan. We're confident that by picking up a resume sample from us and taking advantage of the tips and advice offered by our expert writers, you'll be able to balance the job-hunting equation in your favor and get closer to earning the position you're seeking.

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cost accountant: Resume Samples & Writing Guide

Professional Summary

Highly organized and detail-oriented Cost Accountant with extensive experience in the Accounting & Auditing field. Proven track record of driving process improvements and cost savings through effective financial analysis and reporting.

Employment history

Chief Cost Accountant, KPMG New York, New York

December 2012 – Present

Assist in implementing new accounting and cost procedures
Perform cost analyses and cost-benefit analyses
Analyze financial data and generate financial reports

Cost Accountant, PwC New York, New York

January 2012 – December 2012

Assist in implementing new accounting and cost procedures
Analyze changes in product design, raw materials, manufacturing methods, or services provided, to determine effects on cost
Analyze actual manufacturing costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs

Entry Level Cost Accountant, KPMG New York, New York

January 2011 – December 2011

Analyze changes in product design, raw materials, manufacturing methods, or services provided, to determine effects on cost
Monitor and review the performance of cost accounting systems
Prepare and analyze budgets, financial statements, and other reports

Education

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), November, 2010

Skills

Database Management

Data Analysis

Emotional Intelligence

Negotiation

Financial Analysis

Reconciliation

Internal Reporting

Internal Auditing

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Professional Summary

Highly experienced cost accountant with expertise in financial analysis, auditing, and budgeting. Proven track record of delivering accurate and timely financial results to support business objectives.

Employment history

Chief Cost Accountant, Crowe Horwath Indianapolis, Indiana

August 2014 – Present

Prepare financial and operational reports
Analyze actual manufacturing costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs
Perform cost analyses and cost-benefit analyses

Associate Cost Accountant, Grant Thornton Chicago, Illinois

February 2013 – July 2014

Analyze financial data and generate financial reports
Participate in the annual audit process
Analyze actual costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs

Junior Cost Accountant, Crowe Horwath Indianapolis, Indiana

February 2012 – January 2013

Participate in the annual audit process
Perform cost analyses and cost-benefit analyses
Assist in implementing new accounting and cost procedures

Education

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

Doctor of Philosophy in International Business (Accounting), December, 2011

University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California

Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics (Accounting), December, 2007

Skills

Stress Management

Negotiation

Business Acumen

Professionalism

Bank Reconciliation.

Variance Reporting

GAAP Compliance

Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance

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Professional Summary

Highly experienced and detail-oriented cost accountant with a comprehensive understanding of accounting and auditing principles. Possesses excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve financial performance.

Employment history

Lead Cost Accountant, McGladrey Minneapolis, Minnesota

May 2013 – Present

Establish and maintain cost accounting systems and procedures
Analyze actual costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs
Prepare financial and operational reports

Associate Cost Accountant, Moss Adams Seattle, Washington

November 2011 – April 2013

Perform cost analyses and cost-benefit analyses
Analyze and report on variances between actual and expected costs
Assist in implementing new accounting and cost procedures

Jr. Cost Accountant, BDO USA Chicago, Illinois

June 2010 – October 2011

Develop and maintain cost accounting and inventory systems
Analyze and report on variances between actual and expected costs
Perform cost analyses and cost-benefit analyses

Education

Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), April, 2010

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Adaptability

Problem Solving

Written Communication

Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance

Variance Analysis

Budgeting

Accounts Payable

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Professional Summary

A highly motivated Cost Accountant with expertise in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, and auditing. Skilled in developing and implementing process improvements to ensure cost-effective operations and accurate financial reporting.

Employment history

Lead Cost Accountant, PwC New York, New York

December 2010 – Present

Analyze financial data and generate financial reports
Analyze actual manufacturing costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs
Monitor and review the performance of cost accounting systems

Associate Cost Accountant, PwC New York, New York

June 2010 – November 2010

Assist in month-end and year-end closing
Analyze financial data and generate financial reports
Perform cost analyses and cost-benefit analyses

Jr. Cost Accountant, Moss Adams Seattle, Washington

June 2009 – May 2010

Assist in implementing new accounting and cost procedures
Establish and maintain cost accounting systems and procedures
Assist in month-end and year-end closing

Education

Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Doctor of Finance (Accounting), April, 2009

Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics (Accounting), April, 2005

Skills

Data Analysis

Teamwork

Stress Management

Collaboration

Accounts Receivable

Tax Preparation

Bank Reconciliation.

Financial Modeling

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Employment history

Chief Cost Accountant, Moss Adams Seattle, Washington

January 2019 – Present

Prepare cost estimates and budgets
Monitor and review the performance of cost accounting systems
Prepare and analyze budgets, financial statements, and other reports

Cost Accountant, Ernst & Young New York, New York

January 2018 – December 2018

Prepare financial and operational reports
Analyze actual manufacturing costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs
Participate in the annual audit process

Entry Level Cost Accountant, PwC New York, New York

July 2017 – December 2017

Analyze and report on variances between actual and expected costs
Analyze actual manufacturing costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs
Prepare and analyze budgets, financial statements, and other reports

Education

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Doctor of Philosophy in International Business (Accounting), May, 2017

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics (Accounting), May, 2013

Skills

Listening

Process Improvement

Adaptability

Technical

Accounts Payable

Financial Modeling

Internal Control

Tax Preparation

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cost accountant Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an cost accountant position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers.

When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

cost accountant

Calculate the cost of goods sold Monitor the inventory balances.
Evaluate the ending balances of the inventory.
Preparation of the job orders assays Supervise production job orders.
Scrap Analysis

cost accountant

Factory interaction in data gathering for accurate costings.
Costings to be issued timeously to the factory manager before a product gets manufactured.
International invoicing of exported product.
Daily cash flow forecasts.
Full accounts payable function.
Full accounts receivable function.
Cashbook function.

cost accountant

Responsible for creating budgets that will allocate all the company’s monetary resources in the wisest way possible by the conduction of in-depth analysis of various financial systems, spotting significant discrepancies between actual and proposed expenses as well as resolving inaccurate financial database entries.
Performed all duties and obligations relating to the matter of budgets and financial forecasts, as well as the presentation of findings, reconciliation of errors and discrepancies.
Implemented in-house produced software named Zenscale and application named Zentrade for order bookings and sales billing.
Analyzed and interpreted data to draw conclusions for managerial action and strategy.
Conducted stock audit of warehouse and showrooms.
Handled the matters related to Shop in Shop concept of Retail section including their timely deliveries, stock replenishment and follow up of their timely payments.

cost accountant

Monitoring spending, costs and budgets.
Recommending ways to increase profits.
Overseeing the company’s payroll, credit control and stock control systems.
Planning, Studying, and collecting data to determine costs of business activity such as raw material purchases, inventory and labor.
Update standard costs in the bill of materials.
Analyzing data collected and recording results.
Analyzing changes in product design, raw materials, manufacturing methods, to determine effects on cost.

cost accountant

Analyzing actual manufacturing costs and preparing periodic
reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs.
Recording cost information for use in controlling expenditures.
Analyzing audits of costs and preparing reports.

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cost accountant Job Skills

For an cost accountant position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few.

Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

Cost Accounting
Budgeting
Cost Analysis
Variance Analysis
Financial Analysis
Internal Control
Internal Auditing
Financial Modeling
Financial Forecasting
Accounts Payable
Accounts Receivable
Tax Preparation
Internal Reporting
Cash Flow Management
Inventory Management
Financial Planning
GAAP Compliance
Variance Reporting
Reconciliation
Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance
Bank Reconciliation.

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently.

Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

Communication
Interpersonal
Leadership
Time Management
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Critical Thinking
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork
Organization
Planning
Public Speaking
Negotiation
Conflict Resolution
Research
Analytical
Attention to Detail
Self-Motivation
Stress Management
Collaboration
Coaching
Mentoring
Listening
Networking
Strategic Thinking
Negotiation
Emotional Intelligence
Adaptability
Flexibility
Reliability
Professionalism
Computer Literacy
Technical
Data Analysis
Project Management
Customer Service
Presentation
Written Communication
Social Media
Troubleshooting
Quality Assurance
Collaboration
Supervisory
Risk Management
Database Management
Training
Innovation
Documentation
Accounting
Financial Management
Visualization
Reporting
Business Acumen
Process Improvement
Documentation
Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your cost accountant Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Employment history

Chief Cost Accountant, Deloitte New York, New York

July 2012 – May 2022

Analyze actual manufacturing costs and prepare periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs
Perform cost analyses and cost-benefit analyses
Prepare cost estimates and budgets

Cost Accountant, KPMG New York, New York

January 2012 – July 2012

Prepare financial and operational reports
Perform cost analyses and cost-benefit analyses
Analyze changes in product design, raw materials, manufacturing methods, or services provided, to determine effects on cost

Entry Level Cost Accountant, McGladrey Minneapolis, Minnesota

August 2010 – December 2011

Assist in implementing new accounting and cost procedures
Participate in the annual audit process
Prepare and analyze budgets, financial statements, and other reports

Education

Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics (Accounting), June, 2010

Skills

Documentation

Time Management

Written Communication

Adaptability

Budgeting

Accounts Receivable

Variance Analysis

GAAP Compliance

Provide your Contact Information and Address Year Gaps

Always explain any gaps in your work history to your advantage.

Key Insights

Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to explain any gaps using a professional summary.
Adding extra details and context to explain why you have a gap in your work history shows employers you are a good fit for the position.

How to Optimize Your cost accountant Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Professional Summary

A highly motivated and detail-oriented Cost Accountant with extensive experience in the Accounting & Auditing field. Proven ability to develop and implement effective cost and budgeting strategies to maximize financial efficiency.

Employment history

Chief Cost Accountant, Deloitte New York, New York

September 2009 – Present

Prepair financial and operational report's
Analyse and report on variance's between actual and expected cost's
Assist in month-end and year-end closin'

Associate Cost Accountant, Grant Thornton Chicago, Illinois

September 2008 – August 2009

Prepair cost estamates and budgtes
Esablish and maintian cost accounting systems and proceduers
Assit in month-end and year-end closin

Junior Cost Accountant, McGladrey Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 2008 – August 2008

"I went to the store to buy some groceries
I went too the store to buy some grocerys.

Education

Boston College, Boston, Massachusetts

Bachelor of Science in Finance (Accounting), January, 2008

Skills

Organization

Creativity

Project Management

Time Management

Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance

Internal Auditing

Variance Analysis

Cash Flow Management

Include Job Descriptions and Avoid Bad Grammar

Avoid sending a wrong first impression by proofreading your resume.

Key Insights

Spelling and typos are the most common mistakes recruiters see in resumes and by simply avoiding them you can move ahead on the hiring process.
Before submitting your resume, double check to avoid typos.

cost accountant Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an cost accountant position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

Chief Cost Accountant
McGladrey
Minneapolis, Minnesota

McGladrey Recruitment Team

I am a highly motivated Cost Accountant with 12 years of experience in Accounting & Auditing. I am excited to submit my application for the Chief Cost Accountant position at McGladrey, where I believe my skills and expertise would be an excellent fit.

As someone who has always been curious and eager to learn, I have pursued my education and gained experience in areas like Tax Planning to develop my skills in my work. This experience has given me the opportunity to lead major projects and provide my input in diverse areas, which have helped me gain a deeper understanding of the industry. I am excited to bring my passion and expertise to the role at this company and work towards achieving your organization's goals.

Thank you for considering my application for the Chief Cost Accountant position. With my skills and the amazing team at this organization, I am assured that I can contribute to your organization's success and make a meaningful impact. Looking forward to a future where we can work together.

Kind regards,
Yolie Irving
979-259-4321
irvingyolie@protonmail.com

Yolie Irving

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