Cost Accountant

Position Summary

Ajinomoto Foods North America is a leading frozen foods company committed to providing nutritious and delicious meals globally. With a rich history of diverse ethnic brands, our products are cooked with our customers in mind, contributing to a healthier lifestyle through balanced umami foods.

• Complete daily work order closures in the ERP system, collaborating with Inventory Control to ensure transaction accuracy.
• Review cost transactions, prepare production reports, and provide root‑cause analysis of variances.
• Provide accurate new‑product cost estimates to support marketing initiatives.
• Maintain ERP cost setups: enter new product costing, create and maintain bills of materials and routings, and review current product cost structures.
• Identify and implement process improvements for cost reductions and timeliness of cost information.
• Assist with month‑end closing entries and reporting.
• Prepare inventory reconciliations and obsolete inventory reserves.
• Partner with supply chain/warehousing to manage inventory accuracy, including cycle counting.
• Perform trend analysis and highlight potential financial risks or opportunities.
• Support plant operations with various analyses and ad‑hoc projects.
• Assist with annual budget and forecast preparation.
• Back up Staff Accountant and Senior Staff Accountant for Accounts Payable processing and other duties as needed.
• Ensure accounting functions are performed accurately, timely, and in compliance with IFRS and company procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and special projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support plant and corporate needs.

• Education: 4‑year Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Experience: 3‑5 years in cost accounting, preferably within a food manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent Microsoft Office Suite skills; advanced Excel with Pivot Tables.
• Strong ERP software experience, preferably JDE.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to analyze data and provide recommendations.
• Experience with budgeting and forecasting is beneficial.
• Capability to work accurately and timely in a fast‑moving environment.
• Physical Requirements: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, lifting, bending, twisting, and reaching.
• Working Conditions: Frequent exposure to wet, humid, and extremely cold conditions; occasional vibration and moderate noise; personal protective equipment required.