Cost Accountant

F&B EXPERTISE LEADER | National Account Manager & Recruiter Futures Consulting, LLC | Innovative Strategic Thinking, Direct Sales, Communication

Cost Accountant

Must have food and beverage experience

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Cost Accountant serves as a strategic business partner to the assigned operating divisions, providing leadership with clear, actionable insights into all aspects of plant operating costs. This role is responsible for the continuous analysis of divisional performance, ensuring costs are accurately traced to underlying activities and correctly reflected in the system to support transparent business decisions. Key responsibilities include verifying accurate cost setups, conducting margin and variance analysis (standard vs.

actual costs), and providing meaningful financial insights. The Cost Accountant also oversees plant accounting functions, including preparation of monthly financial statements, budgets, forecasts, and ad-hoc financial projections.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports directly to the Cost Accounting Manager and does not have supervisory responsibilities. The Cost Accountant collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams including Operations, Plant Accounting, Sales, Marketing, the Director of Operations, Purchasing, and Fruit Procurement and Grower Services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(The essential functions listed below are not intended to reflect all duties that may be assigned to this position. It is the responsibility of every employee to report food safety and food quality problems or risks to personnel with the authority to initiate action against these said possible risks. We have identified personnel that will serve as backups for key personnel in the event that said employee is absent or unavailable.

These provisions can be found within the organizational chart. We may augment duties, including essential functions, at its discretion.)

• Performance Analysis: Analyze variances between actual and planned performance and communicate findings to operations personnel. Support assigned plants in understanding actual versus projected costs and translate insights into actionable recommendations to achieve annual plans and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Reporting and Decision Support: Develop and review financial and operational reports to provide insight into actual and projected costs. Partner with Operations and Sales to support go/no‑go decisions and evaluate the financial impact of operating strategies.
• Financial Analysis and Forecasting: Proactively analyze current and historical financial and performance data to identify trends, risks and opportunities. Develop informed recommendations, forecasts and projections to support strategic decision‑making.
• Standard Cost Review: Evaluate standard costs and related system processes to ensure each plant’s systems accurately reflect true production costs and support sound business decisions. Recommend and implement improvements where necessary.
• Commodity and Cost Analysis: Conduct monthly analysis of key material commodities, review historical trends, and forward estimates to access divisional impact. Focus on insights that drive behavioral change, cost efficiency, and cost avoiding strategies.
• Cost Accounting and Estimation: Perform advanced cost accounting related to materials and production. Prepare cost simulations for new and existing products, conduct analysis to determine the cost of business activities and provide cost benefit analysis for projects and initiatives.
• Inventory Management: Ensure inventory accuracy by maintaining effective controls and monitoring process. Reconcile accounts monthly and analyze inventory levels to support integrity and operational efficiency.
• Month‑End Close: Oversee the month‑end close process for assigned plants, ensuring accuracy and completeness of monthly financial statements.
• Error Resolution: Identify, investigate, and resolve cost accounting discrepancies on a daily basis. Implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Standard Cost Development: Lead the annual standard cost development process for assigned plants. Guide Plant Accountants through cost for…