SUMMARY The Cost Accounting Assistant provides accounting and financial support in the areas of data analysis, cost assessment, revision to standard costs, inventory valuation, and variance reporting, while providing accurate processing, collection, tracking, and review of data. Responsible for data clean-up, assistance with system maintenance, problem research and resolution; accurate costing of purchased items, accurate review and costing of Bills of Material (BOMs) for manufactured items, report generation and analysis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Consistently review reports for revision to standard costs and changes to the accounting software to maintain system integrity
• Evaluates actual distribution costs and periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual costs
• Examines new and existing BOMs; roll and distribute costs, as necessary
• Prepares purchase costing data files needed to start cost rolls
• Provides management with reports specifying and comparing factors affecting prices and profitability of new products and services
• Contributes to the development and cost assessment of new products, including interfacing with Marketing, Operations, and Procurement, as needed
• Analyzes and tracks the progress of new product development to insure the integrity of product structure and standard cost
• Coordinates freight costs with accounting general ledger activity
• Routinely works with other departments for problem resolution, routine reporting and analysis, data analysis and clean up

Inherent in each position is a general duty to maintain each respective work area in a safe and sanitary condition. Regular, predictable, full-time attendance is required as an essential function of this position. The employee may be required to perform other such duties within the scope of their employment as may be assigned. The employee must also possess the ability to take direction, follow instructions, work with others, follow work rules and schedules, and focus on details.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 1-2 years of accounting and/or cost accounting experience; BA/BS degree or two years of college education preferred, or a combination of education and experience. Strong analytical skills, good communication skills, proficiency in Excel, and familiarity with fully-integrated ERP systems. Must have the ability to work well with other departments and a proactive approach to business and problem resolution.
Previous manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS Must possess great attention to detail, and be able to operate in a fast-paced work environment with competing priorities
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as variance analysis, determination of test reliability and validity
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Consistently review reports for revision to standard costs and changes to the accounting software to maintain system integrity
• Evaluates actual distribution costs and periodic reports comparing standard costs to actual costs
• Examines new and existing BOMs; roll and distribute costs, as necessary
• Prepares purchase costing data files needed to start cost rolls
• Provides management with reports specifying and comparing factors affecting prices and profitability of new products and services
• Contributes to the development and cost assessment of new products, including interfacing with Marketing, Operations, and Procurement, as needed
• Analyzes and tracks the progress of new product development to insure the integrity of product structure and standard cost
• Coordinates freight costs with accounting general ledger activity
• Routinely works with other departments for problem resolution, routine reporting and analysis, data analysis and clean u