Cost Accountant

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.


With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we're united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.


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Summary

The Ultralox Cost Accountant will be responsible for planning, analyzing, and communicating the profitability of the Ultralox plant's manufacturing operations through detailed reports of efficiencies related to the plant's production and other key financial information for management review. The Cost Accountant is also responsible for supporting the cycle count program and annual physical counts within the plant, guiding the cost analysis process, and building and controlling the plant's annual budget.

What You'll Do:

• Plan, analyze, and communicate the profitability of the plant's manufacturing operations to produce informative, detailed reports outlining efficiencies, plant production, and key financial information for management review
• Examine the plant's production costs, gain/loss, and month-end closing data
• Independently collect and analyze operational data
• Complete monthly cost analysis of controllable expense accounts and material cost variance accounts.
• Forecast, analyze and report the plant performance to leadership teams
• Gain understanding, and explain and reconcile manufacturing financial variances for the plant
• Prepare month-end close activities, including adjusting journal entries and accruals, closing production work orders, settling utility payments, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Identify resources and solutions to control or eliminate gaps to plan and/or plant performance goals
• Participate in daily/weekly plant meetings to explain the results of analysis and identify solutions
• Drive accounting processes within the plant to ensure accurate books and records and compliance with key control requirements including Sarbanes Oxley
• Provide support and documentation for monthly SOX controls, interim SOX testing, and audits from both Internal and External auditors
• Assist in building and managing the annual budget for the plant
• Participate in the annual update of Bill of Materials (BOMs), Production Routings, and annual cost roll.
• Recognize problems and generate solutions/ideas
• Run manufacturing accounting and labor backflush on work orders
• Identify and resolve any production entry discrepancies or issues
• Research and resolve purchasing invoice issues
• Support the cycle count program and annual physical counts within the plant

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in accounting, finance, internship or related role preferred
• Manufacturing experience preferred

Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to be both tactical and able to see the broader operational picture.
• Demonstrated understanding of standard and cost accounting methods.
• Strong analytical ability to synthesize detailed data into meaningful insights.
• Ability to develop and present solid, data-supported solutions.
• Proven problem-solving ability with sound judgment.
• Knowledge of research methods and report preparation, or willingness to learn.
• Results-oriented mindset with a commitment to accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Proficiency with MS Office; ability to learn proprietary systems.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts across the business.
• Ability to challenge information, validate assumptions, and seek robust data to improve decision quality
• Desire and tenacity to grow within the organization

What You'll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $75,000 to $90,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

• Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Insurance: health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) with match
• Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
• Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.


James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.


The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.