How you will make history here...
The Cost Accounting Manager is responsible for ensuring accurate cost reporting, analysis, and financial controls in a standard cost environment. This role partners closely with operational excellence, plant operations, supply chain and corporate finance to drive cost transparency, support strategic decision-making, and identify opportunities for cost optimization and operational efficiency. Reports directly to the Plant Controller, is responsible for managing financial and tactical objectives to meet plant performance targets through financial cost analyses and plant floor studies. Oversees all cost accounting reporting. Provides value-added cost analysis, cost savings, plant spending, and post-project audits. Assists with Annual Operating Plan (AOP), strategic finance planning, forecasting, auditing, and reconciliations. Prepares statements according to GAAP and SOX. Partners with multiple, cross-functional team members at both at the corporate and plant levels. Coaches and develops financial acumen for business partners to help achieve individual goals, team and business objectives.
What you will bring to the table...(Must have)
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred).
Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing operations.
Proficiency in SAP, Excel, and other financial systems; experience with Kronos/UKG is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data, communicate financial insights, and influence operational decisions.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex data, communicate financial insights, and influence operational decisions.
Strong technical and analytical skills in accounting and finance.
Computer proficiency in Windows-based software applications (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Excellent Microsoft Excel skills required. SAP experience is essential.
Kronos/UKG knowledge is preferred.
Thorough understanding of internal control and accounting practices, including budgeting, costing, general ledger, fixed assets, etc.
Strong attention to detail.
Must responsibly question and challenge financial information and data, rather than accepting it at face value.
Must have strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Results oriented.
Must be self-motivated and a self- starter.
Must possess strong training/facilitation skills.
What you will do...
Contribute to managing all aspects of cost accounting, including standard cost development, variance analysis, and inventory valuation.
Participates in monthly close processes related to cost accounting and ensure timely and accurate reporting in accordance with GAAP and SOX compliance.
Provide detailed cost analysis and insights to support plant performance reviews, capital investment decisions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), forecasting, and strategic financial planning.
Oversee post-project audits, cost savings tracking, and productivity reporting.
Maintain and improve internal controls over cost accounting processes and ensure compliance with corporate policies.
Coach and develop business partners to build a high-performing team at the plant level.
Ensure standard costs are updated based on demonstrated performance, including labor routings and scrap factors, to reflect current operational realities.
Preferred Attributes
Experience supporting plant operations in a matrixed organization.
Familiarity with capital project tracking, overhead allocation, and cost center management.
Ability to challenge assumptions and drive accountability through data-driven insights.
Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
Experience in Power BI dashboards development.
3 to 5 years of progressive experience in finance manufacturing environment, preferably in a CPG or food manufacturing environment.
Join our talent community
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