Senior Accountant

Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Accountant to manage the financial operations of our food processing plant. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of cost accounting principles, inventory management, and compliance requirements specific to the food manufacturing industry. You will play a key role in tracking production costs, analyzing operational efficiency, and ensuring the financial health of our manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Cost Accounting & Management:

• Cost Analysis:

  Calculate the cost of goods sold (COGS) for individual products, including raw materials, direct labor, and manufacturing overhead.

• Standard Costing:

  Develop, maintain, and update standard costs for all finished goods and raw materials. Analyze and report on variances between standard and actual costs.

• Yield Analysis:

  Monitor and report on production yields, identifying variances and working with production managers to investigate causes (e.g., waste, shrinkage, machine efficiency).

• Overhead Allocation:

  Accurately allocate manufacturing overhead to products using appropriate drivers (e.g., machine hours, labor hours).

2. Inventory Management & Control:

• Inventory Valuation:

  Manage inventory accounting using appropriate methods (FIFO is common due to perishability). Perform regular inventory reconciliations.

• Perishable Goods Tracking:

  Implement and monitor controls for tracking raw materials (e.g., produce, meat, dairy) with limited shelf lives to minimize obsolescence and write-offs.

• Cycle Counts & Physical Inventory:

  Lead and/or participate in regular cycle counts and annual physical inventory audits. Investigate and reconcile discrepancies.

• Waste & By-Product Reporting:

  Track and account for waste, scrap, and by-products, ensuring proper valuation and disposal.

3. Financial Reporting & Analysis:

• Management Reporting:

  Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly operational and financial reports for plant management (e.g., production cost reports, efficiency reports, gross margin analysis).

• Budgeting & Forecasting:

  Assist in the development of the annual operating budget and periodic forecasts for the plant.

• Profitability Analysis:

  Analyze product line profitability and provide insights to support strategic decision-making.

4. Compliance & Operational Support:

• Regulatory Compliance:

  Ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) as they relate to financial controls and traceability.

• Internal Controls:

  Maintain and enforce robust internal controls over financial reporting, inventory, and fixed assets within the plant.

• Audit Support:

  Serve as a key point of contact for both internal and external auditors, providing necessary documentation and explanations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education:

  Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

• Certification:

  CPA or CMA certification is a strong plus.

• Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of accounting experience, with

  at least 2 years in a manufacturing environment (food processing highly preferred).

• Proven experience with cost accounting, standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Hands-on experience with inventory management and valuation in a perishable goods environment.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills (PivotTables, VLOOKUPs, etc.).
• In-depth knowledge of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).
• Proficiency in Tally Prime

• Analytical Skills:

  Strong ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and solve problems.

• Attention to Detail:

  Meticulous accuracy in handling financial data and inventory records.

• Communication Skills:

  Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with both finance and non-finance personnel (e.g., production managers, warehouse staff).

• Organizational Skills:

  Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaboration:

  A team player who can work effectively with cross-functional teams.