Sr Cost Accountant

Building the people that build the world.

With platforms in HVAC and Detection and Measurement, SPX Technologies builds innovative solutions that enable a safer, more efficient, sustainable world.  Through our RiSE talent development framework, we Reach, Identify, Strengthen, and Engage our employees to support them in their continued development.  We’re a global company of problem solvers, collaborators, and innovators, and our businesses build solutions that impact the world.

As part of HVAC Cooling, SPX Cooling Technologies is a leader in high quality industrial HVAC equipment used to cool large facilities like hospitals, data centers, and power plants.   With cooling towers, fans, and refrigeration units, companies rely on brands like Marley, Recold, and SGS to provide comfort and mission critical and industrial cooling solutions.

How you will make an Impact (Job Summary)

SPX is a diverse team of unique individuals who all make an impact. As a Senior Cost Accountant, you will be a key financial partner to Manufacturing. This role is responsible for leading complex cost analysis, driving improvements in operational performance, managing standard cost processes, and ensuring the accuracy of manufacturing financial results. The Senior Cost Accountant will own critical elements of the costing system, support the annual cost roll, lead inventory controls, and provide strategic insight to plant and finance management.

What you can expect in this role (Job Responsibilities)

While each day brings new opportunities at SPX, your core responsibilities will be:

1. Cost Analysis & Performance Improvement:

• Lead analysis of direct labor efficiency, absorption, and spending across designated manufacturing locations.
• Perform detailed actual vs. budget and forecast analysis for manufacturing overhead; actively partner with plant leadership to explain variances and recommend improvements.
• Conduct in-depth reviews of inventory variances including scrap, shrink, and excess & obsolete material; identify trends and root causes.
• Provide advanced inventory reporting and drive improvements in inventory accuracy and relevant KPIs.

2. Costing Systems & Inventory Management:

• Collaborate with the cost accounting team to execute and maintain product costing system processes.
• Participate in Material Master audits and support the accuracy and integrity of standard cost elements.
• Partner with cross-functional teams—including Engineering, Production Planning, Sourcing, and Purchasing—to align and validate all inputs impacting material standard costs, such as BOMs, routings, pricing, and cost assumptions.
• Partner with plant teams during physical inventory leading a physical inventory count audit at designated plant. Complete required inventory and variance reporting.

3.  Financial Reporting & Controls: 

• Prepare complex journal entries, accruals, and month-end close activities.
• Complete assigned account reconciliations and ensure compliance with internal controls.
• Manage cross-functional cost accounting projects and serve as the subject-matter expert for manufacturing financials.

What we are looking for (Experience, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education)

We each bring something to the table, and we are looking for someone who has:

Required Experience

• 5+ years of cost accounting or manufacturing finance experience.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory controls, and manufacturing operations.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced Excel skills: experience with major ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to work independently, influence stakeholders, and drive process improvements.

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA/CMA preferred.

Travel & Working Environment

• Normal working environment is an office setting.
• Hybrid schedule (3 days on site) available after 90 days.
• Occasional travel to the Madison, AL plant; increased travel expected during the first 6–12 months, then minimal travel (approximately 1–2 times per year).

How we live our culture

Our culture is at the center of what we do and, more importantly, who we are.  Our core values set a standard for how we manage ourselves, and our Leadership Model sets the standard for how we engage with each other.  Whether you are an individual contributor or you lead a large team, each of us leads at SPX.  

What benefits do we offer?

We know that the well-being of our employees is integral. Our benefits include:

• Generous and flexible paid time off including paid personal time off, caregiver, parental, and volunteer leave
• Competitive health insurance plans and 401(k) match, with benefits starting day one
• Competitive and performance-based compensation packages and bonus plans
• Educational assistance, leadership development programs, and recognition programs  

Our commitment to embrace diversity to build a culture of inclusion at SPX

We value different backgrounds, experiences, and voices at SPX, and we are committed to challenging ourselves, openly communicating, and striving to improve every day.  We believe in creating an inclusive work environment where everyone has a voice and is encouraged to realize their fullest potential. 

SPX is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to making selection decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis.