Cost Accountant

Purpose of Job:

• Provide accounting, costing, and production and financial reporting services to the Nutrition operating plants located in Quincy, IL and Modesto, CA plants.  Provide analyses of plant operations, budgets, and major investments.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Keep abreast of current developments in finance management and computer technology so as to be able to suggest new approaches for increased office or plant efficiency.
• Provide plant related operating and financial reports on a timely basis.  Initiate new and maintain existing reports as necessary.  Execute special projects and provide service and assistance as required.  Prepare monthly variance report analysis.
• Support the maintenance of the product cost system.  Gather and compile cost data required for management decisions concerning production, cost, and project improvement.  Collect, calculate, analyze, and summarize cost data.  Maintain cost control system and prepare cost reports.
• Ensure good internal controls are in place, report weaknesses to management with suggested remedies.  Supervise physical inventory count and assign proper valuation to the inventory.
• Develop and review site accounting policies and procedures.  Ensure adherence and update as necessary.  Consult with Cost Accounting Manager on policies and procedures and keep abreast of problems or changes that might necessitate their assistance.  Work with internal auditors, external auditors, corporate staff departments, and others as required.
• With the Plant Managers, lead development of the OP&B and Strategic Plans.  Finalize input and submit on a timely basis.
• Provide monthly financial forecasts as required and directed.
• Assist with the preparation and analysis of Capital Appropriation requests.  Maintain local capital budget tracking system.
• Develop and maintain product specific standard costs.  This includes working with process engineers to ensure that bills and routings are accurately established in OPM.
• This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the employees.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required.   Employee maybe asked to perform other duties as assigned by management.

Position Requirements
Major Challenges:

• To develop and maintain a working knowledge of plant operations to ensure that inventory and cost systems are relevant, accurate, and revised as necessary to provide reliable management information.
• Ensure the day-to-day accounting responsibilities are satisfied while being involved in cross-functional plant activities in a challenging and dynamic organization.
• To develop timely and accurate business and accounting reports used in significant business decisions.
• To manage information flow assuring timely and accurate reporting and providing the plant management, Financial Managers, Business Leaders, and others with financial data necessary to operate an efficient and profitable business.
• To maintain a communications network with peers and financial accounting.
• Be able to support the financial and accounting needs of two Plant Managers and the Finance Director.

Decision Making Authority:

• Responsible for the plant internal controls and procedures, accounting cycle, and variance analysis. 
• Reviews and audits all capital appropriation requests. 
• Team member for the development and implementation of plant strategies.