Cost Accountant

Job Summary:

The Cost Accountant partners with operations leadership to provide accurate cost analysis, financial insight, and decision support. The role independently evaluates financial information, communicates findings to management, and implements approved actions that strengthen cost accuracy, operational performance, and financial controls.

Core accountabilities include cost accounting and inventory controls, financial reporting and close support, cash and tax administration, audit support, and continuous improvement of accounting processes.

Job Duties:

• Audit accounts for payable processes and supporting documentation to confirm proper authorization, quantities, and pricing. Independently investigate discrepancies and implement appropriate corrective action.
• Manage daily cash funding and analyze cash accounts; prepare monthly cash entries and reconciliations.
• Prepare weekly flash reports summarizing key data from the prior week.
• Prepare deliverables for the annual financial statement audit, bank audits, and inventory appraisals.
• Work independently with tax consultants on income tax provisions and returns, exercising discretion when consultation with tax professionals is required.
• Coordinate audits of the pension and hourly 401(k) plans and prepare Form 5500 filings for the pension, hourly 401(k), salaried 401(k), and health and welfare plans.
• Develop and implement accounting strategies, policies, and procedures, and remain accountable for their results.
• Monitor implemented accounting strategies and take corrective action when results do not meet established objectives.
• Review and analyze standard costs. Investigate variances arising from purchase prices and work orders, develop corrective strategies, and ensure that necessary corrective actions are implemented.
• Review cycle-count accuracy, investigate variances, identify root causes, and resolve resulting issues.
• Plan, prepare, and execute the annual physical inventory count with assistance from others. Investigate inventory adjustments and identify their root causes.
• Communicate accurate, timely cost information to support business decisions.
• Oversee month-end close tasks and provide assistance as needed.
• Assumes complete responsibility for preparation and filing of quarterly CAT, USE, and sales tax returns.
• Review and update product costs to identify and exercise discretion to correct BOM and router errors.
• Review and analysis of standard costs to ensure variances arising from purchase prices and work orders are investigated, develop strategies and corrective measures and responsible for insuring any necessary corrective actions are implemented.
• Leads and directs the standard cost roll process.
• Review, analyze, and update standard labor and overhead rates annually.
• Review and analyze cycle count accuracy and investigate cycle counting variances and resolve issues.
• Plan, prepare, and execute (with the assistance of others) the annual physical inventory count and work to determine and understand the root cause of any inventory adjustments.
• Responsible for the communication of accurate, timely cost information to the business to support business decisions.
• Responsible for oversight and assistance with month-end close tasks.

Job Specifications & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting.
• Three (3) + years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent computer skills, especially in MS Excel.
• Able to exercise good judgment and independent decision-making skills in the development and implementation of accounting strategies and financial practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with all levels in the organization.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with individuals and teams.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to multi-task.