Senior Cost Accountant

We are proud to be the only company covering the spectrum of residential storage and organization needs, from high-end, dealer-supplied custom solutions to do-it-yourself storage systems available online and in retail stores. Our organization systems are marketed under the Inspired Closets, ORG Home, Gorgeous Garage, ProClosets, EasyClosets, EasyGarage, Easy Track, and Garage Essentials brand names.

The Stow Company is currently seeking qualified candidates for a Sr. Cost Accountant located in Holland, MI.  We are the country’s premier source for custom closets and organizational solutions; designed, custom-cut, and shipped directly to our clients.

Primary Purpose of Position:

The Sr. Cost Accountant will support the financial performance of manufacturing operations through detailed cost analysis, profitability reporting, and business partnering with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain. This position is responsible for analyzing manufacturing costs, identifying trends and variances, maintaining account reconciliations, and providing actionable insights that improve profitability and operational efficiency. The Sr. Cost Accountant will participate in new product costing initiatives, support capital investment analysis, and assist with cost reduction and continuous improvement efforts. This role reports directly to the Sr. Finance Manager and supports operations at the Holland, MI and Nampa, ID facilities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Analyze manufacturing costs and operational performance, identify key drivers, and recommend opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency.
• Prepare monthly cost, margin, and profitability analyses for management review.
• Analyze product and customer profitability and communicate findings to Finance and Executive Team.
• Review material, labor, and overhead variances (i.e. purchase price, material usage, overhead spending, overhead absorption variances), research root causes, and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare cost-related general ledger account reconciliations and investigate reconciling items.
• Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes through timely account reconciliations and financial analysis.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to evaluate manufacturing processes and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Participate in new product development and stage-gate processes through cost analysis, financial evaluation, and system compliance testing.
• Analyze capital expenditure requests and assist in evaluating return on investment and financial impact.
• Provide limited support for budgeting and forecasting activities through cost assumptions, trend analysis, and financial insights.
• Monitor key manufacturing performance metrics and communicate significant trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop financial models and analytical tools that improve business decision-making.
• Assist in evaluating pricing strategies, product introductions, and operational initiatives.
• Prepare ad hoc financial analysis and reporting to support strategic and operational objectives.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting, and analytical capabilities.

Other Responsibilities:

• Clearly communicate financial results and cost concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests as needed.
• Support compliance with company policies, internal controls, and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Make sound, timely, and fact-based recommendations.
• Work effectively with team members at all levels of the company in a positive and professional manner.
• Maintain the confidentiality of financial and operational information.
• Represent the company in a professional and ethical manner consistent with its mission, values, and goals.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Lives Company values on a daily basis.
• Poses no direct threat to the health or safety of themselves, of others, or to property. Defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.
• Requires regular attendance to perform essential elements as contained herein between the assigned start and end times for work.
• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the Corporation and the community; and maintains the professional competence, knowledge and skill necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities

The Stow Company may temporarily assign any team member with duties outside of their normal responsibilities.  Such assignments may be warranted due to a variety of specific requirements, conditions and/or the capabilities of available personnel.  Management will determine the nature and duration of those assignments.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline required.
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of accounting or finance experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with standard costing and manufacturing financial analysis required.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles, financial reporting, and profitability analysis.
• Experience preparing account reconciliations and supporting monthly financial close activities.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required; SAP or comparable ERP experience preferred.

 Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong business partnering and interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with a continuous improvement mindset and commitment to driving results.
• Ability to identify trends, interpret complex financial information, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with individuals both internally and externally to The Stow Company
• Must have excellent customer service skills; including strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must have the ability to interface with all levels of personnel in an office and a manufacturing environment
• Ability to take the initiative and work well independently with little supervision, and as part of a team

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Sitting at workstation approximately 90 percent of work time
• Standing and walking approximately 10 percent of work time
• Must be able to travel between plant and office locations
• Ability to work overtime or occasionally on weekends with short notice
• Typical office environment with shelves overhead and above work surfaces
• Manufacturing environment with multiple machinery and moving parts