Cost Accountant

Position Summary

The Cost Accountant is a key member of the Finance & Accounting team responsible for supporting the company’s manufacturing operations in Tennessee and South Carolina. This role requires strong experience in manufacturing cost accounting, inventory management, fixed asset accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, supporting month-end and year-end close activities, ensuring compliance with accounting regulations, and preparing financial reporting and analysis for corporate headquarters in Japan. This position requires strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills to collaborate across departments and with international stakeholders. Japanese language proficiency is not required.

Position Background

This position has been established to strengthen the overall capabilities of the Finance & Accounting organization. Currently, many operational accounting responsibilities are concentrated within the Accounting Manager role. The organization’s goal is to transition a significant portion of these responsibilities to a senior-level Cost Accountant capable of independently managing core accounting functions and helping lead the accounting team.

The accounting department currently includes an Accounting Supervisor, and this role is expected to work closely with the Supervisor to support and lead daily accounting operations. Depending on experience and organizational needs, this position may operate at the same level as the Supervisor or report directly to the Supervisor.

The long-term objective is to establish an accounting team capable of independently managing the majority of accounting operations with minimal support from management. As a result, only candidates with strong senior-level manufacturing cost accounting experience will be considered.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Close & General Accounting

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the trial balance.
• Prepare and post journal entries related to manufacturing costs, fixed assets, accruals, and other financial transactions.
• Maintain accurate financial records in compliance with company policies and accounting standards.

Cost Accounting & Inventory Management

• Maintain and validate Bill of Materials (BOM), labor, and overhead cost structures within the ERP/accounting system.
• Perform accurate cost rollups during budgeting cycles and actual reporting periods.
• Reconcile inventory transactions and maintain accurate inventory balances.
• Lead and support physical inventory counts and related reconciliation activities.

Fixed Asset Management

• Ensure fixed asset projects and transactions are accurately recorded and maintained in accordance with financial regulations and company policies.
• Monitor capital expenditures and fixed asset reporting.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare monthly financial reports and analyses for corporate headquarters.
• Complete financial statement preparation and reporting for disclosure purposes.
• Ensure compliance with fiduciary and reporting requirements.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Complete annual budgets, forecasts, and variance analysis.
• Provide financial insights and reporting during budget planning cycles.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Serve as a key contact during financial audits by coordinating with external auditors and providing required documentation and support.
• Prepare monthly Sales & Use Tax and Property Tax filings and payments.
• Coordinate with external tax consultants by providing necessary information for tax filings and ensuring timely payment of taxes.
• Prepare and submit required documentation for government subsidies and grant programs.

Accounts Payable & Treasury Support

• Review and approve Accounts Payable payment processing and bank reconciliations.
• Support credit limit reviews and applications submitted by the Sales team.

Payroll & Expatriate Support

• Prepare payroll-related data for expatriate employees.
• Coordinate with external consultants regarding expatriate tax filings and compliance.

Insurance & Administrative Support

• Coordinate corporate insurance renewals with the parent company and headquarters.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Finance & Accounting Manager.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• CPA or CMA certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of senior-level manufacturing cost accounting experience required.
• Experience working within a manufacturing or plant accounting environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems and accounting software required.
• Familiarity with IFRS and other accounting regulations preferred.
• Experience working with international and culturally diverse teams is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of manufacturing cost accounting principles and inventory management.
• Advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with vendors, auditors, consultants, management, and team members.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Self-motivated with a strong passion for finance and accounting.

Work Environment

This position works closely with plant operations, finance leadership, corporate headquarters, external auditors, and third-party consultants. The role requires a high degree of accuracy, accountability, collaboration, and independent judgment in a manufacturing environment

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) 3% Match
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $85,000