Cost / Project Accountant

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About the role

The position will play a key technical role in supporting all manufacturing activities and will report directly to the Head of Finance. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and enforcing cost accounting controls, ensuring compliance in collaboration with plant personnel and operational teams. Additionally, they will analyze cost structures and related reports, contributing to improvements in costing processes and operational efficiency. Will be required to manage costing of R&D projects not managed though the ERP system.


What you'll do

• Collaborate with plant Personnel to analyze and validate Bills of materials (BOMs), ensuring accuracy and alignment with production.
• Evaluate cost center structures and provide insights into plant profitability performance, identifying trends and areas for optimization.
• Support the development and refinement of costing practices as they pertain to proper use of work orders.
• Monitor and support compliance with key cost accounting controls, including Physical Inventory Counts, Obsolete Inventory Reserves, and Manufacturing Variances.
• Conduct reviews to ensure adherence to established procedures and identify opportunities for strengthening controls.
• Work closely with plant teams to resolve discrepancies and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance cost accounting structures, working toward a standardized model that minimizes deviations across plant operations.
• Collaborate with plant personnel and operational teams to streamline processes, reduce inefficiencies, and drive consistency in cost accounting practices.
• Participate in specific projects related to Cost Accounting, ensuring the successful execution and delivery of key initiatives within the function

Qualifications

• A strong understanding of finance and cost accounting. Experience in NetSuite a major plus.
• Must have excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Experience with BI tools a plus.
• Strong communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, both oral and written, and ability to build effective presentations.
• Strong analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Experience with Cost Variance Analysis.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• ERP system experience.
• NetSuite experience.
• Manufacturing experience within a similar industry.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related discipline required.
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing setting in an accounting or finance role.

US Salary Range:
$80,000 - $130,000

Location:
Clarksburg, MD - Hybrid

 

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.  
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus