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 Cost Accountant I will be responsible for planning, analyzing, and communicating the profitability of the 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 I is also responsible for coordinating and conducting cycle counts 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:

• 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.
• Support in the weekly forecast submissions, provide trends and recommend future action
• 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 identified solutions
• Drive accounting processes within the plant to ensure accurate books and records and compliance to 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
• Reconcile cycle counts and post adjustments approved by the Plant Controller
• Coordinate data points and provide organized data to senior Cost Accountants or Controller for decision making process.
• Assist in building and managing the annual budget for the plant
• Participate in the annual update of Bill of Materials (BOMs) and Production Routings
• Recognize problems and generate solutions/ideas

Based on plant site size and complexity as well as need, the Cost Accountant I may also:

• Back up for production confirmation and daily reconciliation to SAP.
• Identify and resolve any production entry discrepancies or issues
• Enter or scan raw material receiving receipt information and preparing for entry into SAP
• Enter raw material receiving data into SAP
• Maintain movement of inventory through the quality process
• Manage movement of damaged and obsolete inventory
• Own oversight of MRB (Material Review Board) inventory including movements of all quality and non-quality product
• Research and resolve purchasing invoice issues
• Coordinate and conduct cycle counts and annual physical counts within the plant
• Ensure that the cycle count is completed efficiently and accurately, and that all data has been entered properly

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance required
• Minimum of one year experience in an accounting or finance role required
• Manufacturing experience preferred
• CPA / CMA certification (or in process) a plus
• Ability to be tactical as well as see the bigger operational picture
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard and cost accounting methods
• Ability to synthesize complex and detailed data and information into meaningful outtakes and decision base information
• Ability to offer solid solutions based on collected, summarized, and analyzed data
• Demonstrated ability to effectively take action to solve problems while exhibiting sound judgement
• Knowledge of research methods and report preparation
• Results-oriented to ensure delivery of appropriate products and services in accurate, complete, and timely fashion
• Demonstrated moderate skills with the standard features MS Office and other proprietary software
• Good interpersonal and written/oral communication skills with the ability to communicate cost and financial information across the business.
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and think independently about alternative ways to solve problems based on analysis of data
• Ability to challenge information and uncover robust facts and data which improve insights and the quality of the final decision
• Desire and tenacity to grow within the organization with consideration of relocation to other manufacturing facilities for opportunities

What You'll Receive:

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $55,000 to $68,000. 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.

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 compensation
• Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
• Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
• Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
• Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

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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.