Plant Accountant - Benton

Position: Plant Accountant

Location: Benton, KY

Reports To: FP&A Controller

FLSA: Exempt

Position Summary

The Plant Accountant is responsible for cost accounting and the internal control environment at the Benton, KY plant. The position reports to the FP&A Controller with a strong dotted line reporting relationship to the Benton Plant Manager.

This role involves maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations, supporting operational efficiency, and providing insights to improve plant performance. The Plant Accountant sets cost objectives and measures cost performance of the Benton plant on a continuous basis. The position directs activities of product costing, product margin analysis and inventory accuracy/valuation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports for the plant.
• Partner with plant management to understand operational challenges and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Provide financial insights to improve plant efficiency and productivity.
• Lead monthly review of Benton plant P&L statement. Generate financial forecasts to assist management in decision making.
• Maintain and monitor standard costs, including material, labor and overhead. Achieve in depth knowledge of COGS material accounts and how they impact the P&L. Support product costing and margin analysis.
• Conduct variance analysis, such as production cost variance and inventory variances.
• Sets objectives with the manufacturing team on cost improvements. Participate in plant production meetings.
• Inventory control and valuation. Ensure accurate tracking of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished good inventory. Work with operational departments to optimize inventory levels. Oversee periodic physical inventory counts and resolve discrepancies.
• Work with the Purchasing group to understand and eliminate any errors in purchase price variance.
• Review and report manufacturing cost variances from production orders.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, company policies and accounting standards.
• Audit support, such as preparing necessary documentation and addressing auditor inquiries.
• Maintain compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
• Identify and implement improvements to accounting processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Utilize ERP systems and other financial tools effectively.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required).
• 3-5 years of accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing or plant operations.
• GAAP/IFRS knowledge.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles and practices.
• Experience with inventory controls, and physical cycle counts.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Experience working with engineering and manufacturing personnel on the development of cost standards and resolving problems.
• Demonstrates an understanding of physical manufacturing processes and materials consumption.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with a strong understanding of Excel spreadsheet analysis, including Pivot Table creating/editing.
• Accurately and simplistically prepare daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and time managements skills, ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to occasionally travel.