Our client, a leading and innovative automotive industry supplier has requested us to search for a Cost Accountant to support their Manufacturing facility in the Leon, Gto. area.

ROLE OVERVIEW 
The Cost Accountant plays a key role in supporting the Plant Controller by ensuring accurate and timely cost accounting, inventory valuation, and financial reporting for the manufacturing site. This position is responsible for building, monitoring, and analyzing cost structures, controlling variances, and supporting decision-making processes related to production efficiency, supply chain finance, tooling, and working capital improvements. 

The Cost Accountant will act as a financial partner to operations, supply chain, and engineering teams to ensure transparency of costs and strong internal controls. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
1. Cost Accounting & Standard Costs 

• Maintain and update standard costs for raw materials, labor, overhead, and finished goods. 
• Support the Plant Controller in developing and implementing cost structures for new and existing products. 
• Ensure cost standards are aligned with corporate policies and NIF (Mexican GAAP).

2. Inventory Control & Valuation 

• Monitor raw materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory balances. 
• Support site-level initiatives to improve usage, scrap, and stock accuracy. 
• Perform monthly reconciliations between physical counts and ERP balances. 

3. Manufacturing Cost Analysis 

• Prepare detailed cost variance analysis (material, labor, overhead, efficiency, scrap). 
• Partner with operations to identify root causes and drive corrective actions. 
• Support productivity and cost reduction initiatives. 

4. Tooling Finance Support 

• Track tooling costs and related expenses at the site level. 
• Monitor lifecycle, shots, copy tools, and maintenance costs for proper capitalization or expense recognition. 
• Collaborate with the Tooling Controller for RFQ-to-collection lifecycle financials. 

5. Supply Chain Finance Support 

• Assist in cost control activities related to procurement, inbound freight, and logistics. 
• Validate supplier price changes and their impact on standard costs and margins. 
• Monitor cost impact of supply chain disruptions at the site level. 

6. Reporting & Compliance 

• Prepare site cost reports for management and Corporate Finance. 
• Ensure compliance with NIF (Mexican GAAP) and internal financial control policies. 
• Support monthly close activities and audit requirements. 

7. Support for New Product Launches 

• Participate in financial reviews of new product launches at site level. 
• Calculate launch-related costs, validate cost assumptions, and ensure accurate reporting of ramp-up variances. 

8. Collaboration & Business Partnering 

• Act as a finance partner to Plant Controller, Plant Manager, Supply Chain, and Operations. 
• Provide cost insights to improve site performance and working capital. 

REQUIREMENTS 
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. 

Experience: 3–5 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment (preferably Tier 1 automotive or industrial manufacturing). Experience with inventory, standard costing, and variance analysis. 

Technical Knowledge: 

• Solid understanding of NIF (Mexican GAAP) standards, particularly related to inventories, fixed assets, and cost accounting. 
• ERP systems experience: EPICOR, CMS, AS400 (or similar). 
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills. 
• Languages: Spanish and Advanced English (written and spoken). 

Soft Skills 

• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail. 
• Proactive, hands-on, and willing to “roll up sleeves” in plant environment. 
• Effective communication with both finance and non-finance stakeholders. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. 
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement orientation. 
• This role is the finance backbone at the plant level, providing the Plant Controller with the cost transparency needed to support operations and drive