Cost Accountant

SCOPE OF POSITION

The Cost Accountant is responsible for calculating, monitoring and analyzing operating costs, including labour, raw materials, overhead, and inventory. This role evaluates the cost impact of changes in product design, materials, and manufacturing processes; analyzes factors affecting costs and productivity; prepares ad hoc summaries and variance reports; and supports the development and implementation of cost accounting policies, systems, and procedures.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as sole custodian of the standard costing system.
• Analyze actual costs to standard costs and make the appropriate recommendations
• Calculate machine hour, direct labor, burden, and overhead rates to be used in standard cost formulation.
• Ensure integrity of costing data.
• Manage the job close procedure within the required time frame to ensure accurate and timely information.
• Formulate and apply transfer pricing policy as required.
• Identify problems arising from product attributes and report findings along with recommendations to the Manufacturing and Marketing departments. 
• Monitor inventory accounts for irregularities and report low, excessive, or aged levels to the Plant Services Manager.
• Ensure integrity of inventory accounts through reconciliation.
• Review weekly financials to identify and resolve potential issues.
• Assist in month/year end financial statement preparation.
• Assist with monthly and year-end financial reporting requirements
• Assist in yearly budget preparation and data formulation.
• Facilitate development of others within the department
• Provide backup support for designated Controller functions as assigned.
• Provide backup support to Payroll during absences and vacation.
• Understand and ensure compliance with HACCP, GMPs, Work Instructions, and Safe Quality Food (SQF) requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned from time to time.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• n/a

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Regular contact with team members in Engineering, Production, Marketing, Sales, Plant Controllers, and other accounting staff on matters relating to their responsibilities and duties.
• Maintain contacts with professional societies and stay current on industry best practices.

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regular use of computers, telephones & misc. office equipment
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Little physical effort required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Office

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Degree (4yr) in business or accounting and 1-3 yrs experience in a MRP environment; or 2-year Degree and 5-7 yrs experience in a MRP environment.
• Professional accounting designation, or currently working toward obtaining one.

QUALIFICATIONS – SKILLS

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Solid understanding of business fundamentals
• Strong analytical skills
• Detail oriented