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 brands have become household favorites all across America. We are dedicated to contributing to a healthier lifestyle through nutritious and balanced Umami foods. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, all our products are cooked with our customers in mind, providing healthy and delicious meals for all.

The Cost Accountant will provide support to the plants and be responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates to support internal and external inquiries. Managing product costing, analyzing manufacturing variances, and supporting financial reporting. Control finished goods and raw material inventories. Participate in the month end close process as well as the preparation of forecasts and budgets. Assist with ad hoc reporting, continuous improvement initiatives, and other special projects as needed for the plants.

• Complete daily work order closures in the ERP system, working with Inventory Control to ensure accuracy of all transactions.
• Review cost transactions, prepare production reports, and provide root cause analysis of variances.
• Provide accurate new product cost estimate to support marketing initiatives.
• Enter new product costing in ERP system, create and maintain bill of materials & routings, and review cost setup for current products.
• Help to identify process improvement for cost reductions and to improve accuracy and timeliness of cost information.
• Assist with month end closing entries and reporting.
• Preparation of inventory reconciliations and obsolete inventory reserves.
• Partner with supply chain/warehousing to manage inventory, including cycle counting, to increase inventory accuracy and strengthen controls.
• Perform trend analysis and provide information on potential financial risks or opportunities.
• Provide various analysis to support plant operations and other ad hoc projects.
• Assist with preparation of annual budget and forecasts, as needed.
• Back up the Staff Accountant and Sr Staff Accountant for Accounts Payable processing and other duties, as needed.
• Ensures that accounting functions are performed accurately and on a timely basis, in accordance with IFRS and company procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and special projects.
• Other duties as assigned to support plant and corporate needs.

• 4 Year / Bachelors Degree
  Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.

• 3 to 5 years
  Experience in cost accounting required; related experience in a food manufacturing environment is preferred.

• Excellent Microsoft Office Suite skills
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, especially Pivot Tables
• Strong ERP software experience, preferably JDE
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to analyze data and provide recommendations
• Experience working with budgeting and forecasting is beneficial
• Accustomed to working in fast‑moving environments providing accurate and timely information to a high standard

• Sit — Frequent
• Stand — Frequent
• Walk — Frequent
• Lift — Frequent
• Bend/Twist — Frequent
• Reach — Frequent

The working conditions of this job require the employee to frequently be exposed to wet, humid, and extremely cold conditions. Employee is occasionally exposed to vibration and the noise level can be moderate. Frequent use of personal protective equipment is required.