Cost accounting managers play an integral role in a company’s financial operations. Financial operations, in turn, play a key role in company success. Thus, embarking on a career as a cost accounting manager can be rewarding and fascinating. Enrolling in an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration – Accounting program from Florida Institute of Technology can be an excellent step toward a job in cost accounting management.
What Is a Cost Accounting Manager?
Cost accounting managers establish budgets, track costs and compile financial reports. They assist in decision-making by analyzing relevant information regarding various processes and departmental activities.
Cost accounting managers work on internal documents, rather than financials for public review. Success in this field requires strong general business skills in addition to accounting expertise. Thus, a background of both broad and specialized education and experience is beneficial.
Job Outlook for Cost Accounting Managers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of accountants and auditors will grow 6% between 2023 and 2033. This rate of growth is faster than the average for all occupations in coming years.
Factors driving an increased demand for high-level accountants such as cost accounting managers include an improving and complex economy, globalized business development, rapidly evolving technologies and new standards of asset valuation. Cost accounting managers with advanced education and certification enjoy excellent job prospects.
Cost Accounting Manager Job Description
Cost accounting managers typically report to the chief financial officer (CFO), chief accounting officer (CAO) or director of finance. They often work for companies of all sizes in a broad range of industries. Details of a cost accounting manager job description vary accordingly. Responsibilities generally include cost accounting duties such as budgeting, recording and analyzing company financial information, and tracking department or product expenditures.
As part of the management team, cost accounting managers help with strategic planning and making decisions regarding the direction of the business. Executive management depends on the accuracy of a cost accounting manager’s financial analysis to ensure sound decisions. Cost accounting managers may also participate in guiding the development of new products and services.
Preparing financial information for stockholders, creditors, regulators, and state, local and federal tax authorities may also be a part of a cost accounting manager’s job, although these professionals generally focus more on internal data. Individuals in this role might also supply monthly forecasts of key data, spending, production, inventory and variances. Frequently, cost accounting managers monitor and report costs of materials, goods sold and services provided — all while ensuring proper internal controls on expenditures.
Further, this management position often includes overseeing cost accounting duties of subordinate employees. Cost accounting managers usually work in an office setting. Those employed by regional, national or global firms may need to travel to satellite plants or offices at times. A 40-hour week is typical.
What Is the Typical Cost Accounting Manager Salary?
According to the 2025 Salary Guide from Robert Half, the typical salary range for a manager of cost accounting is $92,750 to $125,750, with a median salary of $110,500. ZipRecruiter reports that high earners in the field make up to $161,500 annually.
Recent bachelor’s graduates will typically start out toward the lower end of the range. Yet, with experience, they may work their way up quickly. The top salaries generally go to cost accounting managers with experience, advanced education and certification.
How to Become a Cost Accounting Manager
Most cost accounting manager jobs require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, according to Robert Half. Many employers require several years of experience. Conveniently, online bachelor’s students can gain this experience by continuing to work in the field while completing their degree.
Some employers also prefer to hire candidates who hold certifications as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Advanced positions may require a graduate degree, such as an MBA with a concentration in accounting or finance. These advanced credentials can also increase the typical cost accounting manager salary.
Yet, a successful cost accounting manager career generally begins with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Coursework typically includes principles of accounting, cost accounting and auditing. Plus, cost accounting duties and management responsibilities span multiple areas of business functions and processes. Thus, a generalized business degree program with a concentration in accounting can best suit the cost accounting management career, as well as other cross-functional careers such as account manager or mergers and acquisitions specialist.
For instance, Florida Tech’s online BA in Business Administration – Accounting offers specialized accounting courses as well as a breadth of essential business studies. Beyond accounting topics, coursework covers subjects such as strategic management, global business, finance, human resources, business research, marketing and organizational behavior.
This provides students with the foundation of business knowledge and skills to interface with numerous departments, analyze cross-functional processes, make strategic decisions and manage personnel effectively. Employers can be confident that graduates of a business administration program with a concentration in accounting are able to:
- Apply quantitative techniques to problem-solving
- Practice the fundamentals of cost accounting
- Recognize the principles of internal auditing
- Demonstrate management skills such as staff development, leadership and principles of control
- Leverage advanced skills, knowledge and current technologies to succeed as a cost accounting manager
Many employers offer opportunities and incentives for continuing education. It may be possible to gain an entry-level position with a bachelor’s degree and use employer tuition assistance programs to further one’s education.
The Path to a Cost Accounting Manager Career
Becoming a cost accounting manager may be a great career choice for those who possess the ability to work independently, grasp complex financial data and think critically. Other important attributes are excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as good organizational and leadership skills.
Professionals with abilities and interests that align with these attributes and skills may pursue a job in the field through gaining both education and experience. Earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting can pave the way. Additionally, with options like Florida Tech’s online bachelor’s in accounting program, students can continue working and developing experience while concurrently advancing their education, accelerating their path toward a fulfilling cost accounting manager career.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Business Administration – Accounting program.
