Cost accounting manager vs reporting manager

The differences between cost accounting managers and reporting managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-8 years to become both a cost accounting manager and a reporting manager. Additionally, a reporting manager has an average salary of $106,336, which is higher than the $89,286 average annual salary of a cost accounting manager.

The top three skills for a cost accounting manager include variance analysis, financial analysis and reconciliations. The most important skills for a reporting manager are GAAP, internal controls, and external auditors.

Cost accounting manager vs reporting manager overview

	Cost Accounting Manager	Reporting Manager
Yearly salary	$89,286	$106,336
Hourly rate	$42.93	$51.12
Growth rate	17%	17%
Number of jobs	61,135	67,631
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 78%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age	46	46
Years of experience	8	8

What does a cost accounting manager do?

A cost accounting manager is responsible for analyzing and evaluating pricing and costing systems of the goods and services of an organization, ensuring its adherence to the internal guidelines and state regulations. Cost accounting managers review business and financial transactions to generate accounting reports for management reference. They also identify business opportunities that would provide revenue resources and profits by monitoring industry trends and public demands. A cost accounting manager must have excellent analytical skills and accounting principles knowledge, especially in resolving account and expense discrepancies.

What does a reporting manager do?

The duties of a reporting manager depend on one's line of work or industry of employment. Typically, they perform clerical tasks such as producing progress reports and presentations, maintaining accurate records and documentation, updating databases, managing schedules, and performing regular inspections and site visits. There are also instances where one must respond to inquiries and concerns, report to supervisors, and coordinate with other department personnel. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the team, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Cost accounting manager vs reporting manager salary

Cost accounting managers and reporting managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Cost Accounting Manager	Reporting Manager
Average salary	$89,286	$106,336
Salary range	Between $67,000 And $118,000	Between $80,000 And $139,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	Richmond, CA
Highest paying state	Connecticut	Washington
Best paying company	Microsoft	Meta
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between cost accounting manager and reporting manager education

There are a few differences between a cost accounting manager and a reporting manager in terms of educational background:

	Cost Accounting Manager	Reporting Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 78%	Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common major	Accounting	Accounting
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Cost accounting manager vs reporting manager demographics

Here are the differences between cost accounting managers' and reporting managers' demographics:

	Cost Accounting Manager	Reporting Manager
Average age	46	46
Gender ratio	Male, 71.7% Female, 28.3%	Male, 59.6% Female, 40.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 9.2% White, 64.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%	Black or African American, 7.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 10.2% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between cost accounting manager and reporting manager duties and responsibilities

Cost accounting manager example responsibilities.

Manage the monthly analysis of variances which include PPV, MUV, substitution and labor.
Lead ERP system integration team and restructure manufacturing accounting system of newly acquire facility.
Manage payroll and all taxation matters, coordinate independent audit; communicate with outside organizations and agencies.
Direct the development, administration, and standards necessary to maintain financial controls in compliance with GAAP and SOX.
Provide financial management of inventories for multiple facilities to include book-to-physical account reconciliations, inventory projections and reduction plans.
Maintain standard cost integrity including annual standard changes, inventory valuation, monthly closings, account reconciliations and annual budgeting.

Reporting manager example responsibilities.

Perform, then manage, profit and loss for volatile, derivative mortgage back securities.
Used Microsoft SharePoint to manage projects, establish work flow, and document reports and report field definitions.
Manage the administrator of a Hyperion database.
Manage and mentore junior analysts in report optimization and SAS proficiency.
Prepare monthly IFRS financial statements including balance sheet and income statement using HFM.
Establish and maintain SOX documentation for initial compliance including management of testing with internal audit consultants.

Cost accounting manager vs reporting manager skills

Common cost accounting manager skills

Variance Analysis, 5%
Financial Analysis, 5%
Reconciliations, 4%
Financial Reports, 4%
Product Cost, 4%
ERP, 4%

Common reporting manager skills

GAAP, 9%
Internal Controls, 7%
External Auditors, 4%
ASC, 4%
Data Analysis, 4%
Visualization, 4%

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Cost Accounting Manager
Cost Accounting Manager vs Reporting Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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