Cost Accountant

Hiniker Company is a Minnesota based manufacturer. With roots in the agricultural equipment industry going back to 1970 and continuing today, we know how to build tough, productive, reliable equipment. Hiniker is known for sturdy cultivators, efficient shredders, and niche equipment such as the cover crop seeder and NH3 monitors.

In 1995, Hiniker branched into designing and manufacturing snow removal equipment, which is a trusted tool for many. Hiniker snow and ice equipment is built to enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible. We do this with innovative and purpose-built designs like the Hiniker C-Plow and the Hiniker Scoop Plow. We also manufacture a line of spreaders and skid steer plows.

In 2024, we expanded our offerings with the acquisition of Daniels Plows, further strengthening our commitment to high-quality snow removal solutions.

We are currently seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Cost Accountant with strong experience in heavy manufacturing environments.

Cost Accountant Position Summary:

This role will focus on gross margin analysis, overhead allocation methodologies, standard costing, and cost control initiatives. The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of plant operations, cost drivers, complex allocation structures, and can translate operational data into actionable financial insights.

Cost Accountant Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Inventory

• Maintain and analyze standard cost systems in a heavy manufacturing environment.
• Perform monthly cost roll-ups and update standard costs (materials, labor, overhead).
• Monitor and reconcile inventory, WIP, and finished goods balances.
• Analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead, yield, scrap, absorption).
• Ensure proper cost absorption and compliance with GAAP.

Gross Margin Analysis

• Analyze gross margin by product line, plant, customer, and project.
• Identify margin erosion drivers (material inflation, labor efficiency, overhead absorption).
• Partner with operations and sales to improve pricing and margin performance.
• Support quoting and pricing models with accurate cost input.
• Provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability.

Overhead Allocation & Absorption

• Develop, maintain, and refine overhead allocation methodologies.
• Analyze plant overhead pools and allocation drivers (machine hours, labor hours, throughput, etc.).
• Monitor fixed vs. variable cost behavior.
• Evaluate capacity utilization and its impact on cost absorption.
• Support annual budget and standard overhead rate development.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly manufacturing cost reports and KPIs.
• Conduct trend and variance analysis for plant leadership.
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning.
• Support audits (internal and external) related to inventory and cost accounting.
• Maintain strong internal controls over cost processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance teams.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• Assist in ERP enhancements related to costing modules.

Cost Accountant Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 5+ years of cost accounting experience in heavy manufacturing (steel, machinery, industrial equipment, automotive, etc.).
• Strong expertise in:
• Standard costing systems.
• Gross margin analysis.
• Overhead absorption & allocation methodologies.
• Variance analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems (Epicor Kinetics and/or Microsoft Great Plains).
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, financial modeling, variance modeling).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Cost Accountant Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in multi-plant or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and cost reduction initiatives.
• Experience supporting pricing and quoting processes.

Cost Accountant Key Competencies

• Analytical mindset with attention to detail
• Strong communication skills (ability to explain cost drivers to non-finance stakeholders)
• Process improvement orientation
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Strategic thinking with operational awareness

Cost Accountant Performance Indicators

• Accuracy of standard cost and overhead rates.
• Variance reduction and cost savings initiatives.
• Improvement in gross margin visibility and forecasting accuracy.
• Strong internal control compliance.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Compensation details: Yearly Salary

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