Cost Accountant

Summary

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, Timber Tech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and Stru Xure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

For more information,

• Plan, analyze, and communicate the profitability of the plant’s manufacturing operations to produce informative, detailed reports outlining efficiencies, plant production, and key financial information for management review
• Examine the plant’s production costs, gain/loss, and month-end closing data
• Independently collect and analyze operational data
• Complete monthly cost analysis of controllable expense accounts and material cost variance accounts.
• Forecast, analyze and report the plant performance to leadership teams
• Gain understanding, and explain and reconcile manufacturing financial variances for the plant
• Prepare month-end close activities, including adjusting journal entries and accruals, closing production work orders, settling utility payments, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Identify resources and solutions to control or eliminate gaps to plan and/or plant performance goals
• Participate in daily/weekly plant meetings to explain the results of analysis and identified solutions
• Drive accounting processes within the plant to ensure accurate books and records and compliance to key control requirements including Sarbanes Oxley
• Provide support and documentation for monthly SOX controls, interim SOX testing, and audits from both Internal and External auditors
• Reconcile cycle counts and post adjustments approved by the Plant Controller
• Coordinate data points and provide organized data to senior Cost Accountants or Controller for decision making process.
• Assist in building and managing the annual budget for the plant
• Participate in the annual update of Bill of Materials (BOMs) and Production Routings
• Recognize problems and generate solutions/ideas

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred
• Minimum of one year experience in an accounting or finance role required
• Manufacturing experience preferred
• CPA / CMA certification (or in process) a plus
• Ability to be tactical as well as see the bigger operational picture
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard and cost accounting methods
• Ability to synthesize complex and detailed data and information into meaningful outtakes and decision base information
• Ability to offer solid solutions based on collected, summarized, and analyzed data
• Demonstrated ability to effectively take action to solve problems while exhibiting sound judgement
• Knowledge of research methods and report preparation
• Results-oriented to ensure delivery of appropriate products and services in accurate, complete, and timely fashion
• Demonstrated moderate skills with the standard features MS Office and other proprietary software
• Good interpersonal and written/oral communication skills with the ability to communicate cost and financial information across the business.
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and think independently about alternative ways to solve problems based on analysis of data
• Ability to challenge information and uncover robust facts and data which improve insights and the quality of the final decision
• Desire and tenacity to grow within the organization with consideration of relocation to other manufacturing facilities for opportunities

• Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
• Investments:
  Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
• Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness…