Plant Cost Accountant

This position has overall accountability and responsibility for providing financial representation and support for CHG’s manufacturing facility. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to financial budgeting, forecasting, variance analyses, performance analyses, standard cost development, inventory valuation, and coordination of data collection to support local and corporate financial systems, as well as additional analyses and reports as required to support financial and plant/supply chain management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
•    Financial Reporting & Analysis:
o    Lead the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements related to plant operations.
o    Analyze production cost data (materials, labor, overhead, etc.) to ensure accuracy and to provide meaningful insights for decision-making.
o    Prepare and distribute key financial reports to plant management, highlighting variances to budget, cost control opportunities, and performance trends.
o    Track and analyze plant capital expenditures (CAPEX), including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
•    Cost Management & Control:
o    Oversee the plant’s cost accounting systems, ensuring that all production costs are properly tracked, reported, and allocated to finished goods.
o    Monitor and manage direct and indirect production costs (raw materials, labor, utilities, etc.) and recommend improvements to achieve cost efficiency.
o    Work with operations teams to assess and improve production processes for cost savings, waste reduction, and efficiency improvements.
o    Develop and maintain standard cost systems for the plant, including labor rates, material costs, and overhead rates.
•    Inventory Management:
o    Oversee the accuracy and valuation of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods inventory.
o    Ensure proper inventory reconciliation processes are followed to minimize discrepancies and stockouts.
o    Coordinate with the supply chain and procurement teams to monitor inventory levels, forecast needs, and manage aging inventory.
•    Budgeting & Forecasting:
o    Lead the annual budgeting process for the plant, working with plant management and operations to develop accurate, achievable financial targets.
o    Develop and maintain rolling forecasts to ensure financial performance is aligned with business goals.
o    Monitor plant operating performance and adjust financial projections as necessary.
•    Internal Controls & Compliance:
o    Ensure that plant financial operations comply with company policies, GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), and relevant industry regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA for food safety and manufacturing).
o    Collaborate with internal auditors during regular audits and work to resolve any discrepancies or issues that arise.
o    Assist with the implementation of cost control and financial systems improvements to maintain strong internal controls over plant finances.
•    Collaboration with Operations Teams:
o    Partner with plant management, production supervisors, and department heads to understand operational challenges and financial implications.
o    Provide financial support and analysis to operations teams to help drive process improvements and optimize resource utilization.
o    Act as a liaison between plant operations and corporate finance departments, ensuring seamless communication and understanding of financial data.
•    Project Management:
o    Manage or participate in special projects, such as system upgrades, new product costing, and financial analysis of new product lines or equipment purchases.
o    Implement process improvements or financial system changes that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of plant operations accounting.
•    Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications and Experience:
•    Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or other related field.
•    CPA or CMA certification is a plus.
•    5+ years of experience in accounting or finance within a manufacturing environment, preferably in food manufacturing.
•    Demonstrated experience in cost accounting, plant operations, budgeting, and financial reporting.
•    Experience with financial systems (ERP systems, SAP, Oracle, etc.) and advanced Excel skills.
•    Familiarity with activity-based costing (ABC) or other specialized costing methodologies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
•    Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software.
•    Strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory valuation, and financial analysis.
•    Ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into actionable bus