Cost Accountant at Hayward Industries

Hayward Holdings Inc. (NYSE "HAYW") is the largest manufacturer of residential swimming pool equipment in the world, with a significant presence in the commercial pool market that is continuously growing. Hayward designs, manufactures, and markets a full line of residential and commercial pool and spa equipment including pumps, filters, heating, cleaners, salt chlorinators, automation, lighting, safety, flow control, and energy solutions at our company-owned facilities. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Hayward also has facilities in Tennessee, Arizona, and Rhode Island as well as Canada, Spain, France, Australia, and China. This role can be based out of our facility in Clemmons, NC.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive System Cost Accountant to lead and enhance cost accounting processes across our manufacturing operations. This role is central to maintaining the integrity of our product costing, inventory valuation, and ERP system configuration and works closely with production and operations teams to understand cost drivers, monitor variances, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate has a strong background in cost accounting within a manufacturing environment and a deep understanding of ERP systems, enabling them to serve as a liaison between finance, operations, and IT. This role reports to the Director of US ISC Finance, will support site controllers to drive standardization and effectiveness as a key member of the US supply chain/operation finance team. 

· Maintain and analyze standard cost structures for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods in the ERP system.

· Perform cost roll-ups and updates in alignment with product BOMs and routings.

· Lead the analysis of manufacturing variances, including PPV (Purchase Price Variance), labor and overhead efficiency, and absorption.

· Partner with operations, supply chain, and engineering teams to assess cost impacts from product design, process changes, and sourcing decisions.

· Monitor and ensure ERP system data integrity related to inventory, production orders, and cost centers.

· Drive continuous improvement in cost accounting and system integration processes.

· Participate in system upgrades, enhancements, or ERP implementations—owning the cost accounting configuration and testing.

· Prepare and present detailed cost, margin, and inventory analysis to leadership teams.

· Support annual budget and forecast processes, especially for standard costs, inventory valuation, and cost of goods sold (COGS).

· Conduct margin analysis and support pricing strategies.

· Provide audit support, compliance documentation, and reporting as required by internal controls or external regulations (e.g., SOX).

· Assist plant manager in operational projects when required

· Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

· System-savvy, with a mindset for automation and process improvement

· Data-driven, inquisitive, and results-oriented

Education

B.S or BBA in Accounting or Finance

Experience

· CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.

· 3+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.

· Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and manufacturing processes.

· Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).

· Advanced Excel skills and ability to analyze large data sets.

· Detail-oriented with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

· Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Computer Skills

Microsoft Office (highly proficient in MS Excel), AS/400, SQL, BI Tools, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 software knowledge helpful.

Other Requirements

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and effectively present information and respond to questions from executives, groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw insights / conclusions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The environment in the office is heated and has air-conditioning; the noise level in the office is moderate, only requiring, safety shoes, hearing and eye protection on the shop floor.