Principal Cost Accountant

With more than $1B in revenue, Tennant Company is a globally recognized leader in the cleaning equipment industry. For the past 150 years, we have been passionate about developing and manufacturing innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers. At Tennant Company, we are committed to stewardship and creating a cleaner, safer and healthier world. With manufacturing, operations and sales, service, and support functions across the globe, your journey at Tennant can take you places you never expected. Key Responsibilities Lead the coordination and review of the annual global costing runs for all locations Run standard cost processes for new materials, new BOMs, engineering changes, and material supply changes within the constructs of the Product Lifecycle Management Process Drive consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness throughout the cost accounting process and across the organization to include but not limited to lending expertise and best-in-class cost management practices to cost management personnel and functions globally Oversee cost and inventory systems to improve information flows, ensuring they meet manufacturing, cost and inventory accounting and audit requirements through the utilization and enhancement of SAP by identifying and recommending value-add functionality, testing new functionality in new releases, and ensuring that the department is taking advantage of all available SAP resources Monitor SAP system transactions to ensure accurate and proper recording of inventory adjustments for production and aftermarket raw materials, WIP and Finished Goods Establish, enhance, and monitor efficient, best practice procedures for the review and comparison of current standard costs versus plan, forecast and prior year, including the reporting of differences to the appropriate business units Lead the documentation and understanding of existing cost workflows from business production systems to the general ledger, identify gaps, and make recommendations for improvement Execute monthly financial close process for cost and inventory accounting including preparation of journal entries, analysis of inventory adjustments, analysis of system generated variances, inventory reporting, account reconciliations, and supporting audit requests as needed When necessary, coordinate activities with affiliates and global entities to ensure accuracy and timeliness, and drive process improvement and implementation of best practices Utilize audit processes and outcomes to drive improvement in the department and across the business. Analyze outcomes, identify gaps, recommend solutions, and drive implementation across the department and organization Assist management to ensure compliance of all SOX 404 control procedures for which the department is responsible. Support the internal and external auditors in their testing of those controls Assist the Plant Controller in preparing monthly forecasts and annual budgets Complete special projects as assigned Key Requirements BA/BS in Accounting or Finance. Relevant certifications (CPA/CMA) preferred. 5-7+ years of experience of increasing responsibility in Finance or Accounting function, to include 3+ years of experience in a medium to large-size manufacturing firm with an emphasis in cost and inventory accounting. Business planning and analysis activities a plus. Proven continuous improvement mind-set with strong project and initiative management skills. Experience with SAP S/4HANA preferred Strong interpersonal and communication skills that can motivate, engage, and guide individuals toward action and goal attainment (Colleagues, Indirect global resources, and business partners alike). Advanced knowledge/exposure to an enterprise-wide system (SAP preferred). Experience with ERP systems implementation is a plus Intermediate to advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Office products (excel, word, Powerpoint). Strong analytical, accounting, and problem-solving skills. Strong managerial perspective, highly motivated, mature, and positive individual. Sound technical knowledge of accounting standards and exposure to or knowledge of SOX requirements. Tennant offers competitive salaries with an excellent benefits package, along with an environment where personal growth is encouraged. Opportunities with Tennant Company are posted online at Interested in this opportunity? It only takes a few minutes to apply online! Competitive base salary commensurate with experience: $97,500- $150,600 Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. Tennant Sales and Service Co. reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the experience/qualifications of the selected candidate as well as internal and external equity. Total Compensation = Base Salary + Benefits Benefits = A comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), disability, life insurance, paid time off, and voluntary benefits! Begin your journey with us. Let's reinvent how the world cleans. Equal Opportunity Employer Tennant Company is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made on the basis of individual skill, ability, reliability, productivity, and other factors important to performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or any other basis protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.