Cost Accountant

Cost AccountantWe are seeking an early-career Cost Accountant to support the financial and operational activity of a food manufacturing facility. This role works closely with the Plant Controller and plant teams on standard costs, inventory and receiving activity, operational reporting, month-end accounting, forecasting, budgeting, and agricultural grower accounting.The best fit may be a Cost Accountant, Plant Accountant, Staff Accountant, Inventory Accountant, or recent accounting graduate who is analytical, highly organized, advanced in Excel, and interested in learning how accounting connects to production. Prior manufacturing or inventory experience is preferred, but the team will consider a strong entry-level candidate with sound accounting fundamentals and the ability to grow.Location: Glencoe, MinnesotaSchedule: Day shift, Monday-Friday, approximately 40-45 hours per week; occasional partial-day Saturday or Sunday work approximately 2-4 times per year based on business needsWork Setting: OnsiteRole Type: Direct hireCompensation: $62,000-$72,000 annually, based on skills and experience, plus a 5% MBO bonus opportunityBenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insuranceLife insurance401(k)Short-term and long-term disability coveragePaid time offAdditional company benefits and programsResponsibilitiesSupport accounts payable and receiving-related accounting activities.Prepare operational tracking and reporting used by plant leadership.Prepare monthly journal entries and account reconciliations accurately and on schedule.Help develop, maintain, and analyze standard costs.Support quarterly forecasting and twice-yearly budgeting processes.Perform agricultural and grower accounting activities.Assist the Plant Controller with costing and financial analysis projects.Support raw-product scale activity and related accounting controls.Provide backup assistance for payroll processes.Help coordinate accounting and administrative tasks connected with onboarding seasonal employees.Investigate variances, resolve discrepancies, and communicate clearly with accounting, operations, receiving, and other plant partners.Manage multiple deadlines while maintaining accuracy, organization, and strong follow-through.QualificationsAssociate or bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field desired; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.General knowledge of financial accounting procedures, including journal entries, reconciliations, and account-level analysis.Strong Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.Thoughtful analytical ability and close attention to detail.Strong organization, time management, and follow-through.Ability to work independently, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines.Clear written and verbal communication skills.Collaborative, self-motivated, resourceful, and comfortable working with employees at different levels of the organization.High integrity, sound judgment, and a practical problem-solving mindset.Preferred QualificationsInternship or professional experience in accounting, inventory, accounts payable, receiving, manufacturing, food processing, agriculture, or a production environment.Exposure to standard costing, inventory accounting, variance analysis, operational reporting, forecasting, budgeting, payroll, or ERP systems.Interest in building a long-term career in plant finance, cost accounting, or operations accounting.