Cost Accounting Manager

Play a key role in leading and supporting comprehensive cost accounting functions across multiple manufacturing locations, with a strong emphasis on inventory management, product costing, and financial analysis. Partner closely with plant controllers and operations teams to ensure accurate costing, drive consistency in accounting practices, and support informed business decision-making. Serve as a subject matter expert in cost accounting, providing guidance on complex manufacturing and dairy-specific costing considerations, while supporting budgeting and month-end close processes in an SAP ERP environment. Lead efforts to standardize procedures, strengthen internal controls, and ensure compliance with accounting standards and audit requirements.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Co-lead in the development, standardization, and governance of cost accounting practices across multiple dairy manufacturing plants
• Oversee inventory reconciliation, analysis, and complex costing models
• Function as a lead resource for site controllers and other accountants related to cost accounting
• Provide product cost and margin forecasts; perform estimates of new or proposed product costs and perform analysis or estimates of actual production costs; review completed product manufacturing costs, and review and analyze unit costs of finished products
• Resolve and/or provide resolution guidance of issues that plant controllers have on day-to-day operations of cost accounting activities
• Utilize in-depth knowledge of cost accounting to develop a forward-looking approach to the department including cost of goods sold (COGS) budget analysis and preparation
• Perform complex weekly, monthly, and quarterly variance analysis of key performance indicators and communicate insights, risks, and opportunities to management
• Manage the compilation of periodic statements of product cost and development and/or prepare appropriate operating reports
• Present cost data and recommendations to executive and mid-level management as well as to other appropriate individuals
• Prepare profit and loss statements for individual manufactured products
• Supervise the maintenance of inventory records of products, and direct other statistical and tabulating services
• Direct cost audits and their interpretation that will assist management in directing and controlling operations
• Provide proactive analysis of variances and communication of issues and opportunities to appropriate management
• Consult with plant and/or operations management on resource activity measurements concerns, efficiency measurements, and overhead analysis
• Provide analytical decision support for maintaining and auditing bills of materials (BOM's)
• Be responsible for month-end closing activities, including analysis of inventory valuations and operations analysis
• Manage audits of the financial records with internal audit and independent auditors
• Develop and implement SOP's based on best known practices on all costing data to provide consistency and comparability across all assigned locations (e.g., plants, areas) within the company
• Seek continuous improvement in all areas related to cost accounting and financial reporting
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and audit requirements related to inventory and cost accounting
• Serve as a central point of expertise for dairy-specific costing complexities (fat/protein standardization, shrink, spoilage, co-products like whey)
• 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

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, or related curriculum
• 8 to 10 years' experience in accounting, cost accounting, or finance coupled with demonstrated leadership attributes or team lead, project lead, or people leadership experience
• Manufacturing experience
• SAP experience preferred and dairy industry experience a plus
• Certification and/or License - CPA or CMA a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be willing to travel 25-50% (up to 1 week per month)
• In-depth knowledge of cost accounting methods
• Strong financial acumen skills and understanding of financial processes and metrics used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the department
• Strong understanding and application of generally accepted accounting principles
• Proficient in accounting, manufacturing, and spreadsheet software (SAP or comparable ERP systems)
• Leadership and coaching skills to guide plant controllers and accounting staff on cost accounting practices and issue resolution
• Able to promote a team environment
• Able to work independently with minimal guidance, apply sound judgment, and escalate only highly complex or high-risk issues
• Able to provide accurate, thorough, and timely analyses
• Able to apply strong attention to detail
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to work collaboratively with all departments, management levels, and external stakeholders
• Able to multi-task and problem solve
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans