Cost Accountant

Essential Functions:

• Determines cost of operations by establishing standard costs and collecting operational data.
• Guides cost analysis process by establishing and enforcing policies and procedures.
• Provides trends and forecasts, explains processes and techniques, and provides recommendations for action.
• Plans, collects, and analyzes data such as raw material purchases, labor, and overhead to determine costs of business activities.
• Researches and analyzes independently and proactively changes in product design, raw materials, manufacturing methods, or services provided to determine effects on costs.
• Analyzes actual production costs and prepares periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs; analyzes costs associated with make versus buy.
• Analyzes actual manufacturing costs and preparing periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual production costs, identifying drivers of variances.
• Works closely with manufacturing and operation managers from multiple departments to provide support and guidance as it relates to inventories, costing, financial analysis, and continuous improvement.
• Develops cost effective solutions that can be implemented after analyzing the data, reviewing the processes, and finalizing the reports to present.
• Develops and monitors metrics for major inventory and cost drivers. Monitors and reconciles inventory reserves and obsolescence.
• Maintains cost accounting system and its integrity in multiple databases, including bill of materials and standard costs, updates costs as appropriate.
• Conducts inventory reconciliations and reports variances in budgeted/planned costs and actual costs incurred.
• Recommends actions by analyzing and interpreting data, making comparative analyses, and studying proposed changes in methods and materials.
• Confirms costs incurred by collecting, interpreting, and reporting data.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
• Prepares financial statements based on data collected for given time periods.
• Provides support and assistance in performing general accounting duties.
• Contributes to team efforts by completing department and team objectives as needed.
• Stays abreast with federal and state regulations.

Communication Skills:

• Proficient English verbal and written communication skills.
• Clear and concise business writing skills.
• Ability to create and compose written materials with proper English grammar and punctuation.
• Ability to read, interpret, and communicate the contextual meaning of numerical data.
• Ability to communicate clearly with employees, management, and team members.
• Ability to communicate effectively in a multi-cultural business environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge in standard cost accounting practices and procedures.
• Expert knowledge of financial reporting laws and regulations.
• Expert knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Strong knowledge of best practices in collecting and reporting financial data.
• Strong knowledge of software used in organizing and analyzing accounting data.
• Strong proficient skills in manipulating data in MS Excel.
• Strong proficient analytical decision making skills.
• Proficient skills in the MS Office suite (Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to maintain organized accounting records.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated effective problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to research invoices for accuracy and history.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exhibiting high level of integrity and trustworthiness.
• Ability to read and interpret accounting and financial reports.
• Ability to perform moderately complex mathematical calculations.