Cost Accountant

Lesaffre Group; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

11 paid holidays

Job summary

Lesaffre Group is seeking a Cost Accountant to manage cost analysis, inventory valuation, and financial reporting across two manufacturing sites. You will drive month-end close, prepare variance analyses, and partner with operations teams to optimize costs and processes.

The role emphasizes data-driven insights, ERP integrity, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to support strategic decisions and continuous improvement in a growing business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 1–2 years cost accounting experience in manufacturing using SAP, or 3+ years with any large ERP system.
• Strong Excel and MS Office skills.
• Working knowledge of multiple units of measure for inventory and costing.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data to drive decisions.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end close activities focusing on cost and variances.
• Prepare and distribute monthly cost reports to plant/ops managers.
• Analyze cost drivers and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Maintain cost records in SAP and support audits and compliance.
• Assist with capital project accounting and budgeting processes.

Skills

Cost accounting

Financial data analysis

Microsoft Excel

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

For over 170 years, Lesaffre has been a pioneering force in the world of fermentation, harnessing the power of microorganisms to transform industries from baking to healthcare. As a key global player, we've built a presence in 96 countries, employing 11,000 passionate innovators who share our unwavering commitment to excellence.

Driven by our core values of passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our 3-billion euro enterprise collaborates with visionary customers, partners, and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bioactives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being, and improve plant nutrition.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match
• 11 paid holidays
• The ability to leverage your expertise and make a tangible, meaningful impact on the business and our sustainability initiatives
• Opportunities for continuous growth and development, including the ability to take on new challenges and collaborate across our international business units

How You'll Contribute to Our Success

As the Cost Accountant across two manufacturing sites, you’ll ensure accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and financial reporting that directly impacts profitability. By analyzing cost data, automating processes, and streamlining month-end close, you’ll turn numbers into actionable insights that help leadership make smarter decisions. This role lets you solve real financial challenges, improve operational efficiency, and drive continuous improvement—all while shaping the financial strategy of a growing business. If you love making data-driven impact, this is your chance to own critical processes and see your work move the needle.

What You’ll do as a Cost Accountant

Safety:

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre’s safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs

Month-End & Cost Reporting:

• Performs month-end close activities, including cost analysis, variance reporting (actual vs. budget/prior year), and expense allocations to business units
• Prepares and distributes monthly cost reports to plant and operations managers, highlighting key variances and trends
• Reconciles and analyzes general ledger accounts for inventory, accruals, and capital equipment to ensure accuracy

Cost Analysis & Operational Support

• Analyzes cost drivers (raw materials, labor, overhead) and works with plant teams to explain variances and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Supports budgeting and forecasting by providing cost data and assisting in the preparation of annual budgets for manufacturing operations
• Evaluates cost impacts of changes in materials, processes, or services, and communicates findings to operations teams
• Assists with capital project accounting, including tracking expenditures and ensuring proper classification (capital vs. expense).

ERP & Compliance

• Maintains accurate cost records in SAP, ensuring proper account coding, tax assessment, and inventory valuation
• Supports mid-year and year-end audits by preparing documentation and assisting auditors with cost-related inquiries
• Identifies and resolves discrepancies in cost data, working with cross-functional teams to improve data integrity
• Partners with plant and operations managers to provide financial insights and support decision making
• Participates in process improvement initiatives, such as ERP enhancements or cost accounting workflow optimizations
• Assists with ad-hoc projects (e.g., cost studies, system implementations) as needed to support business needs
• Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university
• One to two years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment utilizing SAP, OR three or more years of experience with any large ERP system across any industry are required
• Working knowledge of multiple units of measure for inventory and product costing
• Advanced proficiency in desktop software applications such as Microsoft Office (spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, and project management)
• Working knowledge of a large ERP system is required
• Proven experience synthesizing complex or diverse financial data, conducting in-depth research, and leveraging analytical intuition to drive data-informed decision-making

Preferred qualifications:

• CPA/CMA is a plus
• SAP is highly desired
• Experience working within a manufacturing setting is preferred

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.