Manufacturing Cost Accountant/Controller—Finance Specialization
Table of Contents
The Financial Optimizer: Manufacturing Cost Accountant/Controller
Manufacturing cost accountants/controllers manage manufacturing financial reporting, cost analysis, and financial control. They earn ₹65,000-1,00,000/month, advancing to ₹1,20,000-1,90,000+/month as finance directors.
What Manufacturing Cost Accountants/Controllers Do
Cost Analysis (30%):
- Analyze manufacturing costs
- Identify cost drivers
- Conduct variance analysis
- Model cost improvements
- Report cost performance
Financial Control (25%):
- Manage manufacturing P&L
- Control budgets
- Manage cash flow
- Ensure financial compliance
- Internal controls
Reporting & Analysis (25%):
- Prepare financial reports
- Conduct variance investigations
- Provide cost insights
- Report to management
- Support decision-making
Systems & Process (20%):
- Manage cost accounting systems
- Implement controls
- Improve processes
- Ensure data accuracy
- Audit processes
Technical Skills
- Cost accounting systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)
- Financial analysis
- Variance analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Manufacturing accounting principles
- Excel and financial modeling
- Audit and controls
Certifications
CPA (Chartered Public Accountant):
- Professional accounting certification
- Significant salary benefit (+₹20,000-40,000/month)
- Cost and duration variable by country
CMA (Certified Management Accountant):
- Management accounting specialization
- Cost accounting expertise
- Salary benefit: +₹15,000-25,000/month
- Cost: ₹1,50,000-2,50,000
Salary Expectations
Manufacturing Cost Accountant:
₹50,000 – ₹75,000/month
Senior Accountant / Financial Analyst:
₹75,000 – ₹1,10,000/month
Manufacturing Controller / Financial Manager:
₹1,10,000 – ₹1,65,000/month
Finance Director / CFO:
₹1,65,000 – ₹3,00,000+/month
Entry Requirements
- Accounting degree
- Manufacturing accounting experience (5-7 years)
- Cost accounting knowledge
- Systems experience (ERP, cost accounting modules)
- CPA or pursuing certification
- Analytical skills
The Bottom Line
Manufacturing cost accountants provide financial insights driving decisions. Entry ₹65,000-1,00,000 → 5-year ₹1,10,000-1,65,000+. Path to finance leadership and CFO roles.