REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Cost Analysis and Reporting: Analyze production costs and prepare detailed reports for management. Identify variances between actual and standard costs and investigate their causes.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Assist in the preparation of the annual budget and periodic forecasts for manufacturing operations. This will include providing supporting analytics around Direct Labor, Indirect Labor, Overhead and Production operations.
Inventory Valuation: Ensure accurate valuation of raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods inventory and goods in transit. Conduct regular physical inventory – cycle counts and reconcile with accounting records.
Standard Costing: Develop and maintain standard costs for all products, taking into account materials, labor, and overhead. Additionally, provide the reconciliations as required in coordination with other locations.
Process Improvement: Collaborate with global finance team members and operations / production teams to identify and implement cost-saving initiatives. In some cases, support or lead the implementation of key initiatives.
Data Management: Maintain and update cost accounting data in the company’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Ensure all data is accurate and updated in a timely manner.
Compliance: Ensure that all cost accounting practices adhere to company policies and relevant accounting standards.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA or MBA a plus
• 10 + years of progressive accounting experience
• Experience in a multi-national manufacturing company, with strong understanding of cost accounting, variances and margin analysis
• Functional experience with Oracle
• High level proficiency with Excel – pivot tables, vlookups, xlookups, indexmatch, etc.
• Exceptional root cause/analytical skills, including proven income statement and balance sheet variance analysis experience
• Excellent problem solving, organizational, written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Positive team attitude and a desire to challenge themselves as well as continuously develop and learn

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

National Pen has an immediate opportunity available for an entrepreneurial-minded, solution-oriented Cost Accounting Manager. This individual will be a hands-on player tasked with effectively executing day-to-day processes, with a specific focus on inventory and cost accounting, including establishing standard costs, analyzing variances from standard costs and reviewing plant operating performance, and will also be involved with all major accounting, budgeting and reporting processes and functions for the Company.
The successful Cost Accounting Manager will have an inherent desire to learn about National Pen to identify opportunities to improve processes and financial and operational results. A positive attitude and strong communication skills are a must.
This role will play a critical role in monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on the costs associated with our promotional products manufacturing operations. This individual will ensure accurate costing of products, provide insight into cost drivers, and support management in improving profitability, efficiency, and pricing strategies. The role requires a strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate closely with Operations, Procurement, and Finance teams.
This position is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on all costs related to the production of our products. This includes tracking raw materials, labor, and overhead costs, as well as developing and maintaining cost standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and be proficient in using accounting software (Oracle) and data analysis tools (XLS and SQL queries). This role is crucial for helping the company make informed decisions about pricing, profitability, and resource allocation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Analyze, interpret and communicate monthly manufacturing expense and standard cost variances to management
• Work with plant management to address root causes of variances and recommend solutions to minimize variances
• Support manufacturing plant management with operational initiatives and analysis
• Develop and maintain inventory cost standards for materials, labor and overhead, including review of BOM’s and routings
• Review the valuation of inventory and adequacy of inventory reserves
• Manage and participate in the annual physical inventory and monthly cycle counting processes
• Maintain accounting and reporting of fixed assets and construction in process
• Maintain the general ledger system in Oracle and the standard chart of accounts
• Prepare, record and review general ledger account entries and reconciliations in Oracle with appropriate support