Accounting Manager - Cost

The Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of costs related to propane inventory and inventory valuation recorded in the company’s financial statements. This role manages a team of Cost Analysts and one Supply & Logistics Accountant, providing oversight and guidance to support district, market, and regional personnel through problem resolution, reconciliation, and inventory costing and projection.

The position works in strategic partnership with the Supply & Logistics team, directly impacting cost and cost of goods sold (COGS). The Manager ensures the company maintains adequate controls, policies, and procedures in compliance with internal and external accounting standards. Success in this role requires a blend of strong leadership, collaboration across departments, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a continuous improvement mindset.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Inventory Costing & Analysis: Oversee and ensure the timely and accurate costing of propane and other refined fuels. Analyze the cost of gas dynamics across business segments to ensure accurate costs in financial projections and income statements.
• Inventory Management: Manage monthly inventory accounting, adjustments, and reconciliations, ensuring accuracy in the general ledger. Coordinate annual inventory count observations performed by external auditors. Review and approve storage, exchange, and terminal inventory contract reconciliations.
• Month-End Close: Lead the supply & logistics system close process, ensuring timely and accurate interfaces between cost/supply systems and the general ledger. Review and approve journal entries and ensure cost projections align with operational activity.
• SOX Compliance & Controls: Ensure inventory SOX controls are performed accurately and timely. Update SOX templates as necessary and conduct self-audits to maintain compliance.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work closely with operations and Houston Supply Representatives to ensure inventory-related compliance and communication. Serve as a strategic partner to the Supply & Logistics team to address inquiries and enhance processes.
• Team Leadership: Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to the Cost Analysts and Supply & Logistics Accountant. Develop tools and guidelines to enhance their productivity and support department-wide initiatives.
• Audit Support: Prepare and review audit schedules for quarterly and year-end audits. Coordinate with external auditors during the annual inventory count observation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Accounting Expertise: Proficient in cost and general accounting principles, month-end close processes, reconciliations, and journal entries (e.g., understanding debits/credits and account classifications).
• SOX Knowledge: Proficient understanding of SOX controls and COSO compliance standards.
• Technological Literacy: Comfortable with digital tools, including SAP and Blackline. Experience in Right Angle is a plus.
• Excel Proficiency: Intermediate-level skills in Excel, including data analysis and modeling.
• Financial Statement Analysis: Ability to analyze and interpret financial statements.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and reasoning skills to identify and resolve issues.
• Leadership: Skilled in motivating and mentoring team members to achieve high performance.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Learning Agility: Quickly absorbs new information and skills, particularly with new systems or processes.
• Focus & Organization: Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain focus on key tasks.

Education and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required. CPA or MBA preferred.
• 5 years of cost accounting experience.
• Experience with Blackline, SAP and Right Angle systems preferred.
• Proven experience with SOX compliance and financial statement analysis.