Entry-Level Cost Accountant
Salary range: $60,000–$75,000 annually
Louisville, KY
Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Onsite
Position Summary
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Entry-Level Cost Accountant to join our growing team. This role will support company-wide inventory oversight, cost accounting functions, financial reporting, and operational analysis within a light manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, advanced Excel capabilities, and a willingness to work closely with both accounting and operations teams.
Responsibilities
- Collect, analyze, and report cost data related to materials, labor, and manufacturing overhead
- Assist with inventory valuation and maintain accurate inventory records
- Conduct cycle counts and physical inventory audits across facilities
- Perform inventory reconciliations and investigate discrepancies
- Analyze variances between standard and actual costs
- Prepare cost reports, dashboards, forecasts, and ad hoc financial analyses for management
- Collaborate with manufacturing and operations teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements
- Assist with balance sheet account reconciliations
- Support month-end and year-end closing activities
- Provide support for Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions
- Potential opportunity to take on future General Ledger responsibilities
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required
- 2–3 years of accounting or cost accounting experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required
- Exposure to manufacturing or light industrial environments required
- This role supports inventory and accounting operations across multiple company locations, including: (Louisville, Morehead, Winchester, Missouri, Oklahoma)
- Participate in a minimum of two major annual inventory audits (travel to other locations)
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required
- Experience working with ERP systems such as Acumatica preferred
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
Candidates must be comfortable working in both office and operational/warehouse environments, including:
- Walking warehouse floors and production facilities
- Working around pallets, inventory storage areas, and operational equipment
- Performing physical inventory counts and cycle counts
- Occasionally lifting or moving products to gain counting access
- Moving throughout facilities as needed
- Lifting up to approximately 50 lbs when necessary
Company Description
Kelly helps companies recruit and manage skilled workers and helps job seekers find great work in industries such as accounting and finance, education, engineering, government, manufacturing and production, technology, and more.
Since inventing the staffing industry in 1946, we’ve become experts in the many specialties and local and global markets we serve. With a network of suppliers and partners around the world, we connect 450,000+ people with work every year. We ensure companies have the people they need, when and where they’re needed most.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.