Cost Accountant

NEBCO is a third-generation, family-owned and operated business, which employs more than 1100 employees across 50 locations spanning the State of Nebraska.  NEBCO supplies the construction industry with materials needed to construct buildings, streets and highways.  Our business interests also include mining, finance, real estate development, agriculture, transportation, railroading, warehousing, insurance and surety bonding.  The company has developed beyond its roots into areas including construction materials, real estate, recreation and philanthropy.  NEBCO has grown to become one of Nebraska’s most diversified and successful privately-owned businesses. For more information about the company visit www.nebcoinc.com.
Job Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented Cost Accountant to oversee our budgeting, expense tracking, and cost-control systems. In this role, you will analyze raw financial data, calculate standard production costs, and identify operational inefficiencies. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of accounting principles like GAAP and financial reporting standards. Your insights will directly influence our pricing strategies, resource allocation, and overall corporate profitability. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Establishes standard costs for manufacturing goods, labor, overhead, and shipping.

Conducts variance analysis for the following: comparing actual production costs to system standards, purchase price, and production

Prepares monthly cost reports, profitability, and variance summaries for management

Performs cost-volume-profit and margin analysis across various product lines

Reconciles inventory subledgers to the general ledger on a monthly basis.

Coordinates physical inventory counts and monitors routine cycle count programs.

Calculates obsolescence reserves and track slow-moving stock balances.

Audits production yields and scrap rates to flag efficiency losses

Formulates budget forecasts by analyzing fixed and variable expenditures.

Models financial scenarios to determine the cost impact of changing product designs.

Recommends policy shifts and cost-saving measures to optimize cash flow.

Identifies and implements process improvements within the SAP environment to increase efficiency, accuracy, and controls.

Supports external audits by providing documented cost schedules and evidence

Assists with the periodic review of KPIs, development of annual budgets, performing variance analysis, and forecasting

Support data migration activities from legacy systems into S/4HANA and provide ongoing support and training to end-users on financial modules. 

Assists month-end closing and accounting cycle including journal entries, reconciliations, and master data maintenance for various accounts within SAP as necessary.

Other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience:                                                              

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; and
• minimum 3 years experience as a cost accountant in a manufacturing environment with hands-on experience with SAP S/4HANA; or
• equivalent combination of experience and education.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid Driver’s License
• CPA or other relevant certification is preferred.

Computer Skills:  To perform this job successfully, individual must be proficient in Accounting software; Inventory software; and be skilled in Microsoft Excel (and other Office applications) . The department is moving from Lawson accounting software packages to SAP S/4HANA.  Hands-on experience with SAP S/4HANA is required. 

Other Qualifications:

• Technical skills in account reconciliation, cost analysis, and month-end close.
• Knowledge and ability to work with Bill of Materials
• Solid understanding of accounting principles like GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Must be able to meet time sensitive deadlines, ability to muti-task as required, and follow through on project list, and take on new projects.
• Must maintain confidentiality of financial records.
• Travel required between Lincoln and Omaha plants, no overnights required.

Other Skills & Abilities:

• Attention to detail, accuracy and thoroughness.
• Strong analytical, reasoning, organizational and problem-solving skills; with ability to adapt to business operational changes.
• Ability to research and collect data without supervision.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with others, especially when providing direction with the SAP 4/HANA software; share experience with others, and present information as needed both in group and one-on-one settings.

Benefits Include

• Retirement Plans
• PAID Holidays
• Insurance Benefits
• Wellness Program - with the opportunity to earn five additional days off
• PAID Time Off
• On the Job Training

Condition of Employment
Candidate is required to meet the above qualifications. Approval of pre-employment reference, background checks and post offer substance testing are required as conditions of employment.