Sr. Cost Accountant

Dairy Farmers of America•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

The Sr. Cost Accountant provides cost accounting services for potentially large, multiple, or complex plants or areas by monitoring, analyzing, and reporting monthly cost updates. The role evaluates material, labor, and other expenses to determine production costs, cost of sales, and related performance measures. It assesses the cost impact of product design, raw material, manufacturing method, rate schedule, and service changes; compares factors affecting prices and profitability; investigates costs that depart from past experience; and conducts complex cost audits. The position supplies cost data for business decisions and financial reporting and pursues continuous improvement in cost analysis. The role requires in-depth cost accounting knowledge and extensive proficiency. The Sr. Cost Accountant leads project work or processes and serves as a resource for less experienced colleagues. Responsibilities include maintaining and analyzing cost and inventory information, preparing standard costs and forecasts, supporting reporting and audits, and advising site controllers and other accountants. The role may also instruct or assign work to accounting support employees.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, or a related curriculum, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five to eight years of experience in accounting, cost accounting, or finance.
In-depth knowledge of cost accounting methods.
Ability to apply generally accepted accounting principles and use accounting, manufacturing, and spreadsheet software.
Ability to apply financial acumen, including understanding the company's financial framework and the processes and metrics used to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Ability to provide accurate, thorough, and timely analyses.
Strong attention to detail.
Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with departments, management levels, and external stakeholders.
Ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned projects, and complete them.
Ability to multitask and solve problems.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Nice To Haves

SAP experience.
Supervisor or team lead experience.
Manufacturing experience.
CPA certification.

Responsibilities

Capture and classify cost data to determine costs associated with products or product lines, projects, or departments.
Analyze actual costs against historical or projected costs and report variances.
Prepare, analyze, and track monthly inventory reserves, material savings, inventory forecasts, and standard margin variances.
Monitor purchase price variances and provide monthly analysis of production variances.
Gather system reports and information from appropriate groups for governmental and other reporting, such as Market Administrator reports.
Prepare accurate, timely monthly standard costs and perform monthly cost rolls for manufactured and purchased finished products, including cost change analysis.
Provide accounts payable cost verifications; conduct and analyze cost audits; and prepare reports.
Prepare cost studies for existing and new items.
Prepare monthly KPI metrics reports.
Estimate costs for new or proposed products.
Serve as a primary cost accounting resource for site controllers and other accountants.
Lead or coordinate activities required for external and internal audits.
Recommend and implement cost accounting methods and procedures.
Pursue continuous improvement in cost accounting and financial reporting as assigned.
May instruct or assign work to accounting support employees performing cost or general accounting activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.