Cost Accountant

Lesaffre Group • Cedar Rapids, IA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Cost Accountant across two manufacturing sites, you’ll ensure accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and financial reporting that directly impacts profitability. By analyzing cost data, automating processes, and streamlining month-end close, you’ll turn numbers into actionable insights that help leadership make smarter decisions. This role lets you solve real financial challenges, improve operational efficiency, and drive continuous improvement—all while shaping the financial strategy of a growing business. If you love making data-driven impact, this is your chance to own critical processes and see your work move the needle.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university
• One to two years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment utilizing SAP, OR three or more years of experience with any large ERP system across any industry are required
• Working knowledge of multiple units of measure for inventory and product costing
• Advanced proficiency in desktop software applications such as Microsoft Office (spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, and project management)
• Working knowledge of a large ERP system is required
• Proven experience synthesizing complex or diverse financial data, conducting in-depth research, and leveraging analytical intuition to drive data-informed decision-making

Nice To Haves

• CPA/CMA is a plus
• SAP is highly desired
• Experience working within a manufacturing setting is preferred

Responsibilities

• Performs month-end close activities, including cost analysis, variance reporting (actual vs. budget/prior year), and expense allocations to business units
• Prepares and distributes monthly cost reports to plant and operations managers, highlighting key variances and trends
• Reconciles and analyzes general ledger accounts for inventory, accruals, and capital equipment to ensure accuracy
• Analyzes cost drivers (raw materials, labor, overhead) and works with plant teams to explain variances and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Supports budgeting and forecasting by providing cost data and assisting in the preparation of annual budgets for manufacturing operations
• Evaluates cost impacts of changes in materials, processes, or services, and communicates findings to operations teams
• Assists with capital project accounting, including tracking expenditures and ensuring proper classification (capital vs. expense).
• Maintains accurate cost records in SAP, ensuring proper account coding, tax assessment, and inventory valuation
• Supports mid-year and year-end audits by preparing documentation and assisting auditors with cost-related inquiries
• Identifies and resolves discrepancies in cost data, working with cross-functional teams to improve data integrity
• Partners with plant and operations managers to provide financial insights and support decision making
• Participates in process improvement initiatives, such as ERP enhancements or cost accounting workflow optimizations
• Assists with ad-hoc projects (e.g., cost studies, system implementations) as needed to support business needs
• Other duties as assigned
• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre’s safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match
• 11 paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level