Senior Cost Accountant

Our client in the Chattanooga area is looking for a temporary Sr. Cost Accountant to work remotely on a contract basis to assist in a project to update their cost accounting standards. This role will last approximately 6 months and work with a great leadership team invested in process improvement. Ideal candidate needs to live within Georgia or Tennessee and be able to visit client up to 1 time per month during contract role.Position SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Temporary Senior Cost Accountant to support our finance team during a critical operational and costing review period. This role will be responsible for updating and maintaining costing models, revising labor and overhead rates, analyzing manufacturing and operational costs, and developing standardized accounting policies and procedures to improve consistency and internal controls. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and experienced in manufacturing or operational cost accounting environments.Key ResponsibilitiesReview, update, and maintain standard costing models and methodologiesAnalyze labor, overhead, and material cost structures to ensure accurate product costingUpdate labor rates, burden calculations, and allocation methodologiesPerform cost variance analysis and provide recommendations for operational improvementsPartner with operations, manufacturing, HR, and finance teams to validate assumptions and data inputsAssist with inventory costing, valuation analysis, and month-end close activitiesEvaluate existing cost accounting processes and identify opportunities for improvementDraft, revise, and implement accounting policies and standard operating procedures related to costing and inventory processesDocument workflows and establish process controls to support compliance and consistencySupport ERP system updates or costing module enhancements as neededPrepare reports and presentations for management regarding costing changes and financial impactEnsure compliance with GAAP and internal accounting standardsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field5+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing or operational environmentStrong knowledge of standard costing, labor rate development, and variance analysisExperience developing accounting policies and process documentationAdvanced Microsoft Excel skills requiredExperience with ERP systems such as Epicore, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, JD Edwards, or similarStrong analytical, organizational, and communication skillsCPA or CMA designation preferred but not requiredPreferred ExperienceExperience supporting system conversions or ERP implementationsBackground in process improvement or internal controlsAbility to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentCompensationCompetitive hourly or project-based compensation commensurate with experienceAdditional InformationThis is a temporary assignment intended to support a focused finance and operational improvement initiative. Candidates should be available to begin immediately or within a short notice period.1st Network Solutions is a full-service staffing and placement firm specializing in the placement of accounting & finance professionals in the Atlanta metro area.