Cost Accountant

The CCL Operations Cost Accountant is responsible for managing and analyzing all aspects of manufacturing cost accounting, general ledger accuracy, and environmental reporting at the plant level. This role plays a key leadership role in driving financial integrity, operational efficiency, and sustainability initiatives within the printing manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate will combine strong accounting expertise with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, improve cost visibility, and support environmental compliance and reporting efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Cost Accounting & Analysis
• Maintain and update the standard cost system, ensuring accuracy in materials, labor, and overhead rates.
• Analyze production costs and variances, identifying trends and opportunities for cost reduction.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to evaluate new materials, processes, and efficiency projects.
• Support annual budgeting and standard cost roll processes.
• Monitor inventory valuation and perform reconciliations between perpetual and general ledger balances.
• Provide management with actionable insights into product margins, waste, and manufacturing performance.

General Ledger & Financial Reporting
• Prepare and post journal entries related to manufacturing operations, inventory, and cost allocations.
• Ensure the integrity of plant-level general ledger accounts through monthly reconciliations.
• Prepare financial statement reconciliations in alignment with company policy.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing activities for manufacturing and cost-related accounts.
• Support internal and external audits with detailed documentation and analysis.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and corporate financial policies.

Environmental Reporting & Sustainability
• Partner with the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) team to collect, analyze, and report environmental data, including paper waste, ink usage, energy consumption, and emissions.
• Prepare required environmental compliance and sustainability reports for corporate and regulatory bodies.
• Track costs related to environmental programs, recycling initiatives, and energy efficiency projects.
• Assist in developing key performance indicators (KPIs) for environmental and sustainability performance.

Leadership & Collaboration
• Serve as a financial leader within the factory, partnering with operations, maintenance, and quality teams to improve cost control and operational performance.
• Mentor and guide junior accounting staff fostering skill development and accountability.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional improvement teams focusing on lean manufacturing, waste reduction, and sustainability initiatives.
• Communicate financial performance and insights effectively to both finance and non-finance team members.

Other
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
• Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required; MBA or CMA preferred but not required.
• Experience:

o 3+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing setting; printing or packaging industry experience strongly preferred. Or MBA with relevant experience

o Proven record of leadership, mentoring, or project management within a plant environment.

o Experience with environmental or sustainability reporting preferred.
• Technical Skills:

o Proficient in ERP systems (AS400, JDE Preferred).

o Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.

o Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint (Power BI Preferred)

o Strong understanding of cost accounting principles, GAAP, and manufacturing processes.

o Lean Manufacturing Skills preferred.
• Soft Skills:

o Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence across departments.

o Analytical thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.

o Detail-oriented, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Key Competencies
• Manufacturing cost analysis and control
• Leadership and team development
• Financial integrity and process improvement
• Environmental compliance and sustainability awareness
• Continuous improvement mindset