Sr. Cost Analyst

The Sr. Cost Analyst at Huhtamaki Group in De Soto, KS, will analyze manufacturing costs, recommend changes to standard costs, and ensure accurate inventory valuation. Responsibilities include month-end close processes, creating BOMs for new products, assisting with budget planning, and supporting Continuous Improvement initiatives. The role requires collaboration with various departments to enhance operational efficiency and financial accuracy.
Enjoy a career, packaged with care, whilst helping protect food, people and the planet







We are a key global provider of sustainable packaging solutions. We’re on a mission to make all packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable. Every day, we ensure the hygiene and safety of food and drink for people around the world. We are Huhtamaki.







You could be part of our vision. Because it’s our talented people that make it happen. Our people on the shop floor producing innovative, sustainable products. Our people in our offices delivering excellence for our customers every day. It’s every one of us working together.







We offer a place where you can feel safe, be supported, and make an impact so we can all focus on the future together.






Job Summary


The primary purpose of the position is to analyze data on manufacturing costs and recommend and make changes to standard costs that impact the pricing of products and labor for the facility. A key role is to ensure that inventory transactions, and subsequently inventory valuation, are accurate in terms of cost, quantity, purpose, and timeliness, and in doing so, ensuring that monthly results reported are accurate and timely.


Essential Functions



Analyzes data to formulate and recommend material, key or significant revisions or modifications with regard to the following:
Establish standard costs for manufactured items in the factory by working with engineering, production and purchasing to accurately distribute production costs. Part of this responsibility includes the ongoing review of manufacturing operations and analysis of variances. Discretion must be used to determine which variances are nominal and written off and which are significant enough to escalate the review to possibly require standard cost revision. When standard costs are changed, determine and review inventory revaluation and its effect on financial results
Perform month-end close by reviewing general ledger, reconciling accounts and making journal entries. Administer manufacturing activity and inventory levels at outside processing suppliers; discern when inventory adjustments and/or scrap needs to be recognized. Investigate and resolve significant inventory discrepancies at outside processing suppliers.
Create, review and analyze BOMs and routings for new products by using standard times and product templates.
Assist in planning 12-month objectives for Operations through annual budget process by preparing forms, reviewing expenses and analyzing variances. Review current year to date costs and determine which are one time and which are recurring. Make recommendations to plant management regarding the nature of costs, i.e., whether costs are variable or fixed.
Support Continuous Improvement and Six Sigma projects by gathering and analyzing data from the ERP system. Participation will require the ability to become part of a team that will review and analyze processes and/or problems, develop and test solutions, determine the level of success provided by the solution, and roll out implementation to affected parties. Implement changes to operating practices through Continuous Improvement initiatives.
Provides direct labor analysis. Determine whether variances are ongoing part of product costs and impact to standard cost.
Analyze general ledger accounts. Run various reports and complete projects as assigned
Participate in the inventory cycle count or other physical inventories including fixed asset audits
Prepares Financial analysis for CEP’s, tracks spending and closes projects to Fixed assets.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Participate in SQF Housekeeping and Food Safety Programs. Provide plant housekeeping support.




Job Qualifications


Required



5 or more years proven experience in cost accounting and financial reporting in a manufacturing environment preferred. Solid knowledge of accounting rules, e.g., GAAP and/or IFRS
Good problem-solving skills; attention to detail; This position requires the ability to discern between normal results and anomalies and take steps when necessary.
Ability to work with limited supervision, high level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Ability to operate basic office equipment such as computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.




Preferred



Bachelor’s Degree with Accounting Emphasis, or equivalent work experience preferred.
1 - 2 years of experience with Access and/or Excel queries. 2 years Business ERP system experience Oracle preferred.
Certified Management Accountant, CPA, MBA or candidate preferred

Environment


Employee will work in a manufacturing environment. Requires prolonged sitting (80%), occasional standing (10%) and occasional walking (10%). Requires twisting, stooping/bending, squatting/kneeling, and reaching above, at and below shoulder. Employee will lift and carry up to 10 pounds on a regular basis and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Visual requirements including near/far acuity. Required safety equipment in the manufacturing area: proper footwear, hair/beard net, safety glasses, and earplugs.





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