Manufacturing Cost Accountant: Margin & Efficiency Analyst

Brothers Desserts; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Brothers Desserts in Madison, Wisconsin is seeking a Cost Accountant responsible for analyzing production costs, supporting operational efficiency, and identifying opportunities for cost reduction. The role will work closely with operations teams at the production facility.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and 3–5 years of experience in cost accounting, preferably in the food manufacturing industry.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required.
• 3–5 years of cost accounting or related experience in a manufacturing environment is needed.
• Food manufacturing industry experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze standard costs for raw materials, packaging, labor, and manufacturing overhead.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and profitability analyses for management.
• Maintain accurate inventory valuation in accordance with accounting standards.
• Assist in the preparation of annual operating budgets and forecasts.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Excellent organizational and communication skills

Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Relevant professional certifications

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory management software

Job description

The Cost Accountant is a highly visible position that plays a vital role in analyzing all aspects of production, supporting operational efficiency, and identifying opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement. This role will report to the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis but will work closely with Plant Director and operations teams, on-site, at the production facility.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Analysis

• Develop and analyze standard costs for raw materials, packaging, labor, and manufacturing overhead.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and profitability analyses for management.
• Conduct margin analysis by product, customer, and production line.

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory valuation in accordance with accounting standards.
• Coordinate and participate in physical inventory counts and cycle counts.

Manufacturing Support

• Partner with production managers to analyze labor, material, and overhead costs.
• Assist in evaluating production efficiency and capacity utilization.
• Support new product costing and pricing decisions as well as changes to recipes and processes.
• Support month-end and year-end closing activities by preparing journal entries related to inventory, manufacturing costs, and cost allocations.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Assist in the preparation of annual operating budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor actual results against budget and explain variances.
• Develop cost models and financial projections for strategic planning.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required.
• Relevant professional certifications are preferred.

Experience

• 3–5 years of cost accounting or related experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Food manufacturing industry experience preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems and inventory management software.
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.