Cost Accountant

About the Role

The Cost Accountant supports the Corporate Controller with internal cost reporting for the management of every business. The role's purpose is to classify, record, and appropriately allocate expenditure for the determination of the costs of products or services, the relation of these costs to sales values, and the ascertainment of profitability. This position covers matters relating to the ascertainment, recording, and control of costs by proper analysis and classification in order to find out cost per unit. The Cost Accountant acts as a business partner to the Plant Controller and will provide focused support to the Plant Operating Team and plant personnel. The role compares factors affecting prices and profitability of products or services. The Cost Accountant will rotate through several positions designed to provide the knowledge and background required to accept Controller and Management opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Budgeting and Forecasting: Responsible for working with plant personnel in preparing the annual budget, along with weekly and monthly forecasts.
• Financial Statement Analysis: Analyzing (vs. forecast, plan, & prior year), distributing, and presenting financials to the Plant Operating Team. This includes training personnel on interpreting financials and identifying root causes of problematic areas, guiding implementation of corrective action, and monitoring results.
• Develop metrics to aid in improving efficiency & effectiveness: Planning, studying, and collecting data to determine costs of business activity such as raw material purchases, inventory, and labor, along with analyzing changes made to determine effects on cost. Provide insight for specific improvements in plant material, labor, overhead, scrap, floor planning, inventory levels, staffing, etc., to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the plant.
• Inventory Accuracy: Reconcile and maintain accurate inventory records within the scope of Plant Operations.
• Fixed Asset Accounting:
• Assist project leaders with preparing capital requests, including cost justification.
• Monitor and report on project status and spending versus plan.
• Ensure fixed asset records are maintained and accurate.
• Policy Procedures and General Operational Review:
• Ensure adequate controls and procedures.
• Assist Operations in performing audits and maintaining controls.
• Monitor compliance and provide corrective support as it relates to internal audit deficiencies.
• Assist Operations in maintaining compliance with SOX requirements, including performing audits and maintaining controls.
• Special Projects and Ad Hoc Analysis & Reporting:
• Assist in the estimates of new and proposed product and project costs.
• Perform additional projects/duties to support ongoing business needs.

Nature & Scope: Structured work assignments with close supervision. Problems are not typically difficult or complex. Explains facts, policies, and practices related to the job area.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) with strong cost systems background.
• Experience working with engineering and manufacturing personnel on development and analysis of cost standards.
• Basic understanding of outside department functions (engineering, customer support, IT, procurement, marketing, sales, etc.).
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills, high level of attention to detail and accuracy, and problem-solving skills.
• MS Office Suite: Outlook, Word, and Advanced Excel skills. Access is a plus.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills including listening & questioning with strong business acumen.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to carry out specific projects to meet goals and deadlines, results-oriented and customer-focused.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with all levels of management and establish positive working relationships.
• Ability to apply good judgement, strong work ethics, and integrity on the job.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.

People Management: No

Reports To: Division Controller / Director, Accounting Ops / Assistant Controller