Cost Accountant

Position Summary:
 

Gowan Company is seeking a dedicated Cost Accountant responsible for managing the cost accounting process and budget for all products and inventory. This role will primarily utilize a standard cost system in a global agricultural chemical manufacturing setting. The Cost Accountant will also assist in general accounting functions as needed, working closely with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure accurate cost reflections and financial reporting.

Location: Yuma, AZ / Finance – Full Time / On-Site

Job Status:

• Full-Time
• Salaried
• Exempt
• Reports to: Cost Accountant Manager

Role Responsibilities:

• Review and determine all Standard Cost elements, including bill of materials, production routings, labor, and overhead.
• Coordinate with the supply chain team to ensure accurate reflection of standard costs in bills of materials.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure all operations, direct labor, and overhead expenses are correctly reflected in the product routes and standard cost.
• Determine the Standard Cost for all manufactured products based on gathered records.
• Assist in new product planning by forecasting costs (variable, assembly, indirect) and analyzing cost options.
• Support the annual cost roll, ensuring proper inventory valuation at fiscal year-end.
• Manage/perform cost segregation and fixed asset studies and evaluations.
• Oversee physical inventory counts and cycle counts of inventory.
• Monitor standard costs on a monthly basis, investigate discrepancies between standard and actual costs, and execute necessary adjustments.
• Determine monthly standard/actual cost variances (purchase & manufacturing) and ensure purchase price variances are applied to sales in the P&L.
• Monitor slow-moving inventory and assess for impairment or obsolescence.
• Prepare timely Cost Accounting and Inventory reporting analysis for managers and other end-users.
• Perform account reconciliations to ensure the integrity of general ledger accounts related to Cost & Inventory.
• Provide financial information and schedules to external auditors during the annual financial audit.
• Offer technical support and advice to operational departments as needed.
• Assist in preparing the Budget Standard Cost and maintaining internal cost accounting controls.
• Participate in other Finance department duties as required.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Master's degree (Accountancy or MBA) and/or CPA preferred.

Experience / Skills / Abilities:

• Proven experience in Manufacturing Cost Accounting (Standard Cost system preferred).
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and IFRS.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Familiarity with JD Edwards Enterprise One or similar electronic accounting systems.
• Excellent accuracy, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and a strong team player.

Job Expectations / Working Conditions:

• Work in an office environment, spending extended periods at a computer.
• Light filing and occasional travel may be required.
• Occasional lifting of light objects and overtime as needed.