Senior Project Cost Accountant with ERP Expertise

KENNETH BRIAN HILL

***** ******** ****** ******** *******, 48312 MI 586-***-**** **********@*****.***

Summary

Detail-oriented and analytical Project Accountant (see Durr Systems & Jervis B. Webb Company)/Cost Accountant and Financial Analyst with over 30 years of progressive experience in cost control, project accounting, and financial forecasting across manufacturing, aerospace, and engineering sectors. Proven track record in developing and managing standard costs, analyzing project profitability, reconciling fixed assets, and driving accuracy in financial reporting. Adept at collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, project management, and plant operations to support data-driven decision-making. Skilled in ERP systems and process improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and financial transparency.

Professional skills

Budgeting and forecasting

General ledger reconciliation

Shop floor performance reporting

Contract and subcontract cost analysis

Standard costing and variance analysis

Fixed asset accounting and depreciation

Percentage of completion revenue recognition

Project accounting and cost-to-complete forecasting

Cost of goods sold reporting

Labor and overhead rate calculation

Cross-functional team collaboration

Training and process documentation

Capital project tracking and reporting

Advanced Microsoft Excel and data analysis

ERP and financial systems (SAP, Epicor, Ariba, Procore)

Professional Experience

Cost Accountant 09/2024 to 06/2025

Cosma Body Assembly Michigan New Hudson, MI

As a Cost Accountant, I analyze and manage operational and manufacturing costs to support strategic financial decisions.

Managed the reconciliation of tooling-related assets across various projects, resulting in greater accuracy and reduced issues during financial audits.

Examined and addressed material cost differences, including standard versus actual costs, volume changes, and sales mix shifts, helping to

identify cost-saving opportunities.

Tracked capital expenditures and tooling project updates, increasing oversight and control over large-scale investment initiatives.

Worked closely with engineering and operations teams to verify proper cost allocation, contributing to a more efficient monthly close process.

Reconciled key balance sheet accounts, identifying discrepancies and ensuring reliable and audit-ready financial statements.

Project Controller 02/2022 to 03/2024

Durr Systems, Inc. Southfield, MI

As a Project Controller, I manage financial oversight and cost control for projects by tracking budgets, analyzing variances, and ensuring alignment with project goals.

Monitored internal project adjustments, including non-billable work and excluded costs, which supported more accurate internal cost

reporting.

Prepared and submitted customer invoices based on completed project milestones and monthly progress, supporting timely billing and steady cash flow.

Approved supplier invoices related to major purchases and subcontracting work, ensuring compliance with contract terms and preventing

payment delays.

Participated in recurring project review meetings to update cost estimates and address differences between actual and planned spending, helping to improve overall project control.

Maintained financial oversight of large installation projects to identify cost risks early and support profitable project outcomes.

Cost Accountant 03/1997 to 02/2022

Jervis B. Webb Company Novi, MI

As a Cost Accountant, I monitor and analyze cost structures, track expenses, and support budgeting to help improve financial efficiency.

Reviewed and shared cost-to-complete and total expected costs for major projects in both U.S. and Canadian operations, helping managers make better financial decisions.

Monitored subcontractor spending to separate included work from additional work, leading to more accurate cost tracking.

Recorded subcontractor and direct material costs to support correct revenue reporting throughout project lifecycles.

Examined profit margins on non-contract sales orders, helping to identify cost issues and improve reporting clarity.

Handled changes related to customer requests, internal updates, and purchase orders to keep project budgets and records up to date.

Cost & Financial Analyst 09/1993 to 02/1997

American International Airways Ypsilanti, MI

As a Cost & Financial Analyst, I evaluate financial data, monitor cost structures, and support budgeting and forecasting efforts to improve overall financial performance.

Managed records and performed analysis of property and equipment accounts for aircraft and support equipment, including tracking

depreciation to ensure proper financial reporting.

Developed yearly financial projections for Air Military Command flights, including estimating cost per ton mile, which supported more effective planning and budgeting.

Assessed in-progress work and aircraft operating expenses to identify major cost factors and reduce avoidable expenditures in day-to-day

operations.

Assisted in cost tracking and reporting for Desert Shield and Desert Storm missions, helping provide accurate financial data that contributed to successful mission execution.

Performed warehouse inventories and assisted in improving inventory processes.

Production Accountant 03/1992 to 11/1992

Exemplar Manufacturing Company Ypsilanti, MI

As a Production Accountant, I manage and track production-related costs, ensuring accurate budgeting, expense reporting, and financial compliance throughout the production lifecycle.

Developed cost estimates for sample and newly introduced parts, supporting accurate pricing strategies and helping secure new contracts in

the automotive sector.

Maintained real-time inventory records for production parts and tooling, which improved inventory accuracy and supported timely production scheduling.

Analyzed material and labor variances from work orders, identifying inefficiencies that led to better cost control and process improvements

across production lines.

Implemented shop floor performance tracking systems and generated regular reports, helping management monitor output and reduce production downtime.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline cost tracking for expanding product lines, contributing to smoother integration of

wire harnesses, electrical systems, and plastic components.

Cost Accountant 03/1988 to 08/1991

Renaissance Manufacturing Company Detroit, MI

As a Cost Accountant, I analyze production and operational costs, track variances, and support budgeting to improve financial accuracy and efficiency.

Built cost forecasts for materials, labor, and overhead based on sales expectations and process documentation, aiding in better financial

planning and operational budgeting.

Compiled detailed reports on cost of goods sold and inventory levels, supporting improved financial accuracy and more efficient inventory management.

Tracked and reviewed shop floor activity and performance, allowing leadership to address inefficiencies and enhance production output.

Assisted in setting product costs for automotive interior parts supplied to major clients like General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, and Toyota, helping maintain competitive pricing and strengthen customer partnerships.

Participated in monthly physical inventories as area auditor.

Education

BBA: Accounting 12/1987

Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MI

Software (including ERP)

Experience with ERP & asset/project management software – CMS (Epicor), SAP, Visibility, Procore, Depreciation Solution 2

Additional Tools – Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), Ariba, OneStream

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