Cost Accounting Manager

Zelle Human Resource Solutions; Kearney (NE); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Zelle Human Resource Solutions seeks a senior Cost Accountant to lead accounting functions across manufacturing operations, reporting to the Division Controller. You will drive monthly close, SOX controls, and cost analyses to improve margins.

You will oversee inventory accounting, variances, and capital project evaluations, partnering with Operations and Finance. Proficiency in ERP (Manman ERP), Hyperion, and Power BI is important; leadership and process improvement focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance.
• 7-10 years' accounting experience.
• 5 years supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in monthly close; prepare journal entries and reconciliations.
• Maintain SOX controls and ensure segregation of duties.
• Manage inventory accounting, variances, and cost analyses.
• Support AOP/forecasting and ROI analyses.
• Lead process improvements and data integrity initiatives.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop cost accounting staff.

Skills

US GAAP knowledge

SOX compliance

Leadership

Financial systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Manman ERP

Hyperion

Power BI

Job description

This role supports division leadership and operations by managing key accounting functions and maintaining strong accounting controls within company systems and programs. Reporting to the Division Controller, this position collaborates closely with the Finance Team, operational departments, and Corporate Finance, while exercising broad discretion in handling diverse responsibilities and projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting and Close

• Participate in monthly close processes; prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analyses in accordance with US GAAP.
• Ensure timely and accurate divisional reporting and support external and internal audits.
• Maintain policies and procedures aligned with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements; ensure segregation of duties and robust internal controls.

Cost Accounting and Manufacturing Finance

• BOM/routing integrity, overhead rate setting, burden allocations, and annual cost roll processes.
• Analyze manufacturing variances (labor efficiency, material usage, purchase price variance, overhead absorption) and partner with Operations to drive corrective actions.
• Manage inventory accounting including WIP, cycle counts, physical inventory, slow-moving/obsolete reserves, and inventory turns.
• Support make/buy decisions, should-cost analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma) with quantifiable financial outcomes.

Planning, Forecasting, and Decision Support

• Supports the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and monthly Sales and Operation Plans using driver-based models and scenario analysis.
• Provide financial insights on program margins, backlog, cost-to-complete, and risk/opportunity tracking.
• Support capital investment proposals (CapEx) with ROI/NPV analyses and post-investment reviews.

Systems, Data, and Process Excellence

• Serve as a key user for Manman ERP and Hyperion and Power BI reporting tools
• Champion process standardization, automation, and data integrity; lead system enhancements and user training.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing cost accounting team; set clear goals and performance metrics.
• Facilitate cross-functional reviews; communicate financial results and drivers to leadership and plant teams.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
• 7-10 years' experience
• 5 years supervisory experience preferred

Ideal candidates will have accounting experience in manufacturing, food, chemical, or pharmaceutical environments, preferably supporting high-volume operations with 1,000+ SKUs and complex inventory processes.

Zelle is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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