Cost Accountant

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.

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The Ultralox Cost Accountant will be responsible for planning, analyzing, and communicating the profitability of the Ultralox plant’s manufacturing operations through detailed reports of efficiencies related to the plant’s production and other key financial information for management review. The Cost Accountant is also responsible for supporting the cycle count program and annual physical counts within the plant, guiding the cost analysis process, and building and controlling the plant’s annual budget.

• 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 identify solutions
• Drive accounting processes within the plant to ensure accurate books and records and compliance with 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
• Assist in building and managing the annual budget for the plant
• Participate in the annual update of Bill of Materials (BOMs), Production Routings, and annual cost roll.
• Recognize problems and generate solutions/ideas
• Run manufacturing accounting and labor backflush on work orders
• Identify and resolve any production entry discrepancies or issues
• Research and resolve purchasing invoice issues
• Support the cycle count program and annual physical counts within the plant

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in accounting, finance, internship or related role preferred
• Manufacturing experience preferred

• Ability to be both tactical and able to see the broader operational picture.
• Demonstrated understanding of standard and cost accounting methods.
• Strong analytical ability to synthesize detailed data into meaningful insights.
• Ability to develop and present solid, data-supported solutions.
• Proven problem-solving ability with sound judgment.
• Knowledge of research methods and report preparation, or willingness to learn.
• Results-oriented mindset with a commitment to accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Proficiency with MS Office; ability to learn proprietary systems.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts across the business.
• Ability to challenge information, validate assumptions, and seek robust data to improve decision quality
• Desire and tenacity to grow within the organization

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for…