About the Role
The Cost Accountant will be responsible for the continuous analysis of divisional performance, ensuring costs are accurately traced to underlying activities and correctly reflected in the system to support transparent business decisions. Key responsibilities include verifying accurate cost setups, conducting margin and variance analysis (standard vs. actual costs), and providing meaningful financial insights.
Key Activities
Performance Analysis: Analyze variances between actual and planned performance and communicate findings to operations personnel. Support assigned plants in understanding actual versus projected costs and translate insights into actionable recommendations to achieve annual plans and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Reporting and Decision Support: Develop and review financial and operational reports to provide insight into actual and projected costs. Partner with Operations and Sales to support go/no-go decisions and evaluate the financial impact of operating strategies.
Financial Analysis and Forecasting: Proactively analyze current and historical financial and performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities. Develop informed recommendations, forecasts, and projections to support strategic decision-making.
Standard Cost Review: Evaluate standard costs and related system processes to ensure each plant’s systems accurately reflect true production costs and support sound business decisions. Recommend and implement improvements where necessary
Commodity and Cost Analysis: Conduct monthly analysis of key material commodities, review historical trends, and forward estimates to assess divisional impact. Focus on insights that drive behavioral change, cost efficiency, and cost-avoiding strategies.
Cost Accounting and Estimation: Perform advanced cost accounting related to materials and production. Prepare cost simulations for new and existing products, conduct analysis to determine the cost of business activities, and provide cost-benefit analysis for projects and initiatives.
Inventory Management: Ensure inventory accuracy by maintaining effective controls and monitoring processes. Reconcile accounts monthly and analyze inventory levels to support integrity and operational efficiency.
Month-End Close: Oversee the month-end close process for assigned plants, ensuring accuracy and completeness of monthly financial statements.
Error Resolution: Identify, investigate, and resolve cost accounting discrepancies daily. Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence
Standard Cost Development: Lead the annual standard cost development process for assigned plants. Guide Plant Accountants through costs for the annual budget, and recommend cost improvements, budget adjustments, and standard cost revisions.
Capital Budget Analysis: Analyze and manage capital budget requests, verifying spending, evaluating project paybacks, and assessing financial impacts. Ensure that project benefits are reflected in the annual budget and participate in capital spending audits to integrate learnings into future planning.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Manage plant accounting functions for assigned facilities, including the preparation of detailed budgets, forecasts, and ad-hoc financial projections
Controls and Reporting Systems: Implement and maintain controls for data accumulation and reporting systems to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial information.
Preferred Skills
Experience working with ERP and Business Intelligence (BI) systems; familiarity with Infor products preferred but not required.
Experience creating and utilizing SQL queries preferred.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and complex formula development.
CMA or CPA certification is a plus.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in accounting or related field.
Minimum of four (4) years of progressive experience in accounting, including exposure to both cost accounting and financial accounting.
About Us
Finding a great opportunity that fosters growth, a great culture, and leadership opportunities can be difficult. Top Quality Recruitment (TQR) connects professionals with leadership opportunities across the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Medical Devices, and Biotechnology industries. With 50+ years of experience, we believe in one-to-one communication and finding the best candidate/employer match possible.
TQR is an equal-opportunity employer that encourages diversity. We will consider all applications.
Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.
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