Cost Accountant

Vibrant Ingredients•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vibrant Ingredients is seeking a Costing and Inventory Accounting Specialist to serve as the key point of contact for all inventory-related financial activities. This role ensures accuracy in product costing, compliance with corporate policies, and transparency in reporting. The specialist will review Bills of Material (BOMs), monitor product costs, prepare inventory roll-forward reports, and partner with Operations to improve financial and inventory control accuracy. Vibrant Ingredients is a leading provider of natural, clean label ingredients and systems for the food and beverage industry, operating four facilities across the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
4–6 years of progressive finance or accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
Prior exposure to cost accounting, inventory accounting, and BOM review.
Experience with ERP systems (Business Central, SAP, Great Plains/Vicinity, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
Solid foundation in U.S. GAAP and inventory accounting practices.
Experience preparing inventory roll-forward schedules and variance analyses.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance.
Advanced Excel skills; ERP reporting tool experience a plus.
Strong communication skills to explain financial insights to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Review and validate BOMs for accuracy of raw materials, packaging, and routing costs.
Maintain and reconcile monthly inventory roll-forward schedules across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
Ensure accurate cost accounting by tracking purchase price variances, usage variances, and yield losses.
Monitor and report on inventory adjustments, obsolescence, and shrinkage.
Prepare and post journal entries for inventory-related transactions, reserves, and accruals.
Perform detailed month-to-month cost analysis, explaining variances in inventory balances and COGS.
Partner with Operations Finance to reconcile standard vs. actual costs and ensure accuracy of financial statements.
Collaborate with Operations and Supply Chain teams to strengthen inventory controls and cycle count accuracy.
Support process improvements to streamline BOM management, costing, and reporting workflows.
Provide actionable insights to improve working capital, reduce write-offs, and optimize inventory levels.
Partner with Finance leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization initiatives tied to inventory performance.