Cost Accountant
About the job
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field with two to five years of accounting experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in cost accounting.
- Strong cost systems background, excellent analytical skills, and a sound understanding of accounting principles.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills and familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience working cross-functionally with engineering and manufacturing teams on the development and analysis of cost standards.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to accurately prepare recurring reports and present information to management.
- Analyze actual manufacturing costs against standards, prepare production variance reports, and provide management with insights into factors affecting product pricing and profitability.
- Execute monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities focused on inventory and cost of goods sold, including general ledger support and adherence to U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- Reconcile and report raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods inventories while supporting physical inventories, cycle count programs, and key inventory controls.
- Partner with operations, purchasing, and engineering to maintain accurate bills of materials, routings, and cost standards, and provide input into forecasts for inventory, labor, and overhead.
- Drive continuous improvement in cost accounting workflows, reporting accuracy, enterprise resource planning data flows, and cost efficiency while preparing schedules and documentation for internal and external audits.
- Experience with Sage, Structured Query Language, and Power BI is preferred.
About the company
PALFINGER designs and manufactures lifting equipment for transport, construction, marine, and energy customers around the world. It turns customer requirements into complete working systems for specific applications, adapting cranes and handling equipment to the vehicles, vessels, and work sites where loads need to move. Its machinery lifts heavy materials, raises workers for access tasks, and handles cargo on land and at sea, with designs made for reliable, easy operation. Revenue comes from equipment sales and after-sales service, including installation and spare parts. Founded in 1932, the group is headquartered in Bergheim near Salzburg, Austria.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Bergheim, Austria
Founded
1932
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Training spans technical and leadership skills: PALFINGER lists mentoring, international learning tracks and a central learning platform.
- Advancement starts with internships: PALFINGER describes a Brazilian IT intern progressing to SAP module supervisor.
- Apprenticeships lead beyond entry roles: PALFINGER says many apprentices move into specialist or leadership positions.
What critics are saying
- Customer delays affect demand: PALFINGER's July 2026 report linked first-half results to postponed investments and volatile markets.
- Cost plans include structural changes: PALFINGER's July 2026 plan targets EUR 25 million savings from 2027 through automation and restructuring.
- US tariffs pressure regional business: PALFINGER's April 2026 report linked them to weaker North American demand and profitability.
What makes PALFINGER unique
- Service has international reach: PALFINGER reports over 5,000 sales and service locations across more than 130 countries.
- Marine products extend beyond road equipment: PALFINGER sells boats, launching equipment and deck machinery alongside land-based lifting equipment.
- Production connects with local support: PALFINGER reports 30 manufacturing sites plus sales, installation and service hubs.
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