Sr. Cost Accountant - Accounting - Shift 1

Bolthouse Fresh Foods Accounting Position

This position will report to the Controller. Travel requirements: N/A. FLSA Status:
Exempt. Shift:
1. Employment Category:
Full-Time Regular. Pay Range: $85,000-$100,000.

Bolthouse Fresh Foods is a leader in carrot production, serving as a grower, packer, processor, and shipper. Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, we are a proud employer to 1,600 dedicated individuals. Since 1915, we have been committed to growing and producing high-quality carrots, and today, we are one of North America's largest growers and distributors of fresh carrots for cooking and snacking.

Additionally, we supply premium natural ingredients for the food and beverage industry. With over a century of excellence, Bolthouse Fresh™ products are available at major retailers across North America.

Bolthouse Fresh Foods has approximately 1,600 employees.

This is an experienced professional accounting position for someone who desires to apply their energy, talent, and education in a team-oriented growth company. This position works at the direction of the Plant Controller. Specializing in Manufacturing Accounting and collaborating with Plant Operations personnel, overseeing the integrity of Manufacturing Accounting controls and accuracy of plant accounting associated with manufacturing process and inventory valuation.

• Maintain and develop product cost standards using activity-based costing and system maintenance of cost data
• Month end journal entries including allocations, accruals, amortization schedules
• Monthly inventory reconciliations and roll forwards
• Variance analysis on activity-based costs vs. standard costs. Including, MUV, SCV, PPV
• Execute budget vs actual review on plant expenses
• Execute analysis and provide timely and relevant explanations on financial results for department management
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close in compliance with GAAP standards
• Maintain effective internal controls over accounting policies and procedures to maintain the integrity of financial reporting
• Analyze and report on production and operational costs related to agriculture activities (e.g., crops, livestock, machinery use, seasonal labor).
• Develop and maintain cost accounting systems, job costing, and standard costs for all agricultural operations.
• Monitor and track costs related to planting, harvesting, irrigation, fertilizer, feed, and other input usage.
• Conduct variance analysis (actual vs. standard costs) and investigate discrepancies.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual cost reports and contribute to forecasting and budgeting.
• Collaborate with operations, supply chain, and procurement to support cost control and efficiency.
• Oversee inventory valuation and perform physical inventory reconciliations for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Assist with capital expenditure analysis, equipment costing, and ROI evaluation.
• Support audit requirements and ensure compliance with internal controls and GAAP standards.
• Recommend process improvements and automation strategies to optimize cost tracking and reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required

Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of agricultural production cycles, input costs, and inventory flows.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive cost accounting experience; agriculture or manufacturing industry preferred.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP with specific experience in agriculture and food production.
• Proficient in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, JD Edwards, Net Suite, or equivalent) Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Candidates must have a verifiable history of safe vehicle operation and meet company standards for driving eligibility. This includes maintaining a clean driving record, which will be verified through a background check

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA/CMA strongly preferred
• Public accounting experience or accounting experience in an agricultural or food production environment.

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, climb, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist.
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight up to 30 lbs.
• Operate office equipment requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time in an upright position walking on both even and uneven surfaces
• Ability to stoop, crouch, and kneel on a regular basis

• 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday through Friday…