Project Cost Accountant
About The Position
The Project Cost Accountant supports Wenger Corporation’s strategy of providing an exceptional customer experience by partnering with manufacturing and project managers to ensure accurate project, inventory, and job valuation. The role analyzes project and product costs, develops new product costs, and performs margin analysis. It provides timely, accurate financial guidance and analytics to management to support financial and operational decision-making. This is a structured hybrid position based at the Owatonna, Minnesota facility on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, with home-office work on Wednesdays and Fridays. Candidates must live within reasonable commuting distance. Travel is minimal, and the position follows office hours.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- At least three years of related accounting experience.
- Cost systems background and understanding of accounting principles.
- Manufacturing experience or background, preferably with a construction organization.
- Strong analytical skills, with acute attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to plan, organize, multitask, and work independently to complete goals.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to communicate with all levels of the organization.
- Positive, curious mindset that promotes improvements in operating effectiveness.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite products.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with ERP, MRP, or Project Management software.
- Experience with project accounting.
Responsibilities
- Partner with areas across the organization to analyze, summarize, and report financial performance for decision-making.
- Participate in Executive Summary reviews to verify the accuracy of costing build-ups.
- Participate in monthly Cost to Complete review meetings and record resulting changes and adjustments.
- Investigate project variances promptly and define and implement corrective actions and risk-mitigation efforts.
- Train and work with the Project Management Team on project budgeting, forecasting, tracking actual expenses, and closing projects.
- Ensure known risks, including commodity cost increases and labor and overhead rate variances, are addressed in project budgets and forecasts.
- Assist project managers with change orders and scope changes, ensuring system and financial transactions are complete and correct.
- Work with the tax filing team to support sales and use tax accuracy and timeliness on projects.
- Maintain an accurate standard costing system.
- Support inventory reporting and inventory processes, including physical inventory, cycle counting, and inventory reserve development.
- Perform monthly close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting analysis, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
- Assist with forecasts and the annual budget.
- Prepare supporting documentation for annual audits and tax preparation.
- Monitor compliance with accounting policies and advise management of changes needed to maintain internal controls and accuracy.
- Help drive continuous improvement in accounting and reporting.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- 9 paid holidays
- Generous profit sharing
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- HSA, FSA, and DCFSA spending accounts
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Company-paid life insurance
- Supplemental life insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition reimbursement program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
