Cost Accountant

Position Summary:

The Cost Accountant is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial and cost data across multiple ERP systems. Reporting to the Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), this role will support month-end close processes, analyze manufacturing costs, monitor pricing compliance, and assist in financial planning efforts such as budgeting and forecasting. Additionally, this role will conduct ROI analysis, variance reviews, and customer/contract pricing analysis to support strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, business acumen, and the ability to develop and present impactful financial analyses to key stakeholders. This role requires collaboration with various departments, including Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance, to drive financial efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Oversee annual cost roll in SAP to ensure cost data accuracy.
• Monitor and update labor and overhead allocations in Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Conduct variance analysis on materials, labor, overhead, and expenses, providing insights into cost fluctuations and improvement opportunities.
• Perform ROI analysis for capital projects, business initiatives, and process improvements to assess financial viability.
• Implement operational reporting and analysis (Weekly, PTD, & YTD cadence).
• Develop, prepare, and analyze financial and operational KPIs, including Price/Vol/Mix, Manufacturing Overhead (MO), and expense variances.
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.
• Conduct cost impact assessments.
• Analyze pricing for contract pricing for customers and cost-to-serve analysis to ensure profitability and alignment with financial goals.
• Monitor pricing compliance and ensure contract adherence.
• Create and present financial reports and analyses to senior leadership.
• Manage multiple projects efficiently and provide ad hoc financial analysis as required.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive company and financial data.
• Provide strategic financial leadership in alignment with Carolina Beverage Group’s vision and objectives.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.
• Ability to gain Preventive Controls Qualified Individual (PCQI) Certification in accordance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule.
• Food Defense Team member. Ability to gain Food Defense Coordinator Certification.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in cost accounting and financial analysis within a manufacturing or production environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Advanced Excel proficiency (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, financial modeling).
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP/Oracle for cost accounting and financial reporting.
• Experience conducting ROI analysis, variance reviews, and financial modeling to support strategic decisions.
• Ability to develop and present financial reports, including board and shareholder presentations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly convey financial insights.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with teams across finance, operations, and supply chain
• Proven experience in preparing accurate financial projections and making sound strategic recommendations.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

This role primarily operates in an office setting within a manufacturing or production environment. The employee will work indoors, spending most of their time seated at a desk while using a computer. This position requires prolonged periods of sitting, frequent use of a keyboard and mouse, and occasional interactions with other departments via email, phone, or in-person meetings. The work environment is typically quiet to moderately busy, with standard office lighting and climate control. The employee may occasionally need to visit production areas, requiring adherence to safety protocols, but the primary duties remain administrative in nature.