Cost accounting managers commonly work in fields such as accounting where they are responsible for tracking costs that go into services, materials, and production. These professionals tend to be high level managers who have worked in cost accounting for a number of years and who also have some experience or training in managerial positions. Aside from being accountable for budgeting and managing cost, cost accounting managers also must oversee the operations of teams of accountants to whom they delegate tasks and who answer to cost accounting managers.
To become a cost accounting manager, it is essential to earn a degree in accounting. In some cases it might also be a good idea to earn professional certification, such as certified public accountant (CPA) certification in the United States. A person who wants to become a cost accounting manager also should get some leadership experience and should work a number of years in a certain industry to gain a deeper understanding of relevant markets and concerns related to cost.
In order to become a cost accounting manager, it can be valuable to participate in internships while studying toward your degree. Many schools provide accounting students with access to company recruiters who visit campus to network with gifted, determined students. By taking a few different internship positions, you can learn which kind of cost accountant you might want to become. A person who wants to become a cost accounting manager also might find it easier to land a better paying position after college if he or she already has gained some real world experience.
An individual who would like to become a cost accounting manager should be prepared to lead teams of less established accountants. These professionals usually look up to their managers as being representative of an organization's principles, goals, and general image. They also depend on their managers to make informed decisions and delegate tasks in ways that make sense considering production schedules and which utilize the strengths of team members. While leadership might come naturally to some people, it is almost always is a good idea to engage in some leadership training prior to becoming a cost accounting manager. In some cases, employers provide training to aspiring managers.
A person who wants to become a cost accounting manager also needs to have a strong understanding of his or her industry. He or she should be familiar with related commodity markets and also might keep up with competitor behaviors. It often is the case that the only way to get this knowledge is to get plenty of firsthand experience.