Cost Accountant

Position Summary

The Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing, tracking, and reporting manufacturing and operational costs to support accurate financial reporting and informed business decisions. This role works closely with production, operations, inventory control, and finance teams to monitor cost performance, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure the accuracy of inventory valuation and cost accounting processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze standard costs for raw materials, labor, and overhead.

• Prepare and review cost reports, variance analyses, and inventory valuations.

• Monitor manufacturing costs and investigate significant variances from budget or standard costs.

• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities related to inventory and cost accounting.

• Reconcile inventory accounts and ensure accuracy of inventory records.

• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs.

• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and cost reduction opportunities.

• Collaborate with operations, procurement, and production teams to improve cost controls and reporting accuracy.

• Prepare journal entries and account reconciliations related to inventory, manufacturing costs, and fixed assets.

• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and cost models.

• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company policies, and internal controls.

• Generate ad hoc financial analyses and reports for management as needed.

Qualifications Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.

• CPA, CMA, or other relevant certification preferred.

Experience

• 3-5 years of accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience with cost accounting, inventory management, and financial analysis.

• Experience using ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of manufacturing cost accounting principles.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and advanced formulas.

• Ability to interpret financial data and communicate findings effectively.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.

• Occasional standing, walking, and visits to manufacturing or warehouse areas.

• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction in manufacturing and warehouse environments.

• May require occasional overtime during month-end, year-end, audit support, or physical inventory activities.

Rate of Pay: $95,000/year

Steuben Foods is committed to equal employment opportunity. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.