Cost Accountant

General Purpose

Provide cost accounting services, often for medium or moderately complex plants or areas, by monitoring, analyzing and providing monthly cost updates. Conduct studies of material, labor, or other expenses to determine production costs, cost of sales, or other cost-related performance measures. Analyze changes in product design, raw materials, manufacturing methods, rate schedules, or services provided to determine effects on costs. Provide cost-related data in support of business decisions or for use in financial reporting and seek continuous improvement in the analysis of costs across the assigned area.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Capture and classify cost data to determine the cost associated with products/product lines, projects, or departments
• Analyze actual costs to historical or projected costs and report on variances
• Prepare, analyze, and track monthly inventory reserves, material savings, inventory forecast, and standard margin variances
• Monitor purchase price variances and provide monthly analysis of production variances
• Gather system reports and information from appropriate groups needed to complete governmental reporting and/or other reports (e.g., Market Administrator)
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly standard costs and perform monthly cost rolls for finished products manufactured and purchased along with cost change analysis
• Provide accounts payable cost verifications; conduct and analyze audits of costs and prepare reports
• Accurately set up new finished goods items and Bill of Material (BOM) components
• Initiate and execute changes to BOMs and Bills of Operations
• Prepare cost studies for existing and new items
• Prepare monthly KPI metrics report
• Prepare estimates of new or proposed product costs
• Be a primary point of contact for site controllers and other accountants related to cost accounting
• Prepare month end journal entries as requested
• Assist with requests required for external and internal audits
• Assist with preparation of annual budget
• Seek continuous improvement in all areas related to cost accounting and financial reporting as assigned
• May participate in or oversee regular inventory cycle counts
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2 to 5 years' experience in accounting, cost accounting, or finance
• SAP experience preferred
• Manufacturing experience preferred
• Certification and/or License – CPA preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good knowledge of cost accounting methods
• Able to apply generally accepted accounting principles and use and knowledge of accounting, manufacturing and spreadsheet software (SAP or equivalent ERP software)
• Able to apply financial acumen skills: good understanding of the financial framework of the company and financial processes and metrics to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the company
• Able to provide accurate, thorough and timely analyses
• Able to apply a strong attention to detail
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work independently on projects after brief explanation of the desired results
• Able to take ownership for assigned work and see through to completion
• Able to multi-task
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer