Junior Cost Accountant

Description Connecting People, Plants & Planet to Create Healing Tucked into the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Gaia Herbs offers a unique opportunity to join an industry-leading company that produces the highest quality herbal supplements in the world. About Us: Since Gaia Herbs was just a seedling in 1987, we have remained true to our purpose: connecting people, plants, and planet to create healing. We knew then what many are coming to realize now—plants and people are inextricably linked, and that plants hold the wisdom we need to heal. As a Certified B Corporation, Gaia Herbs believes in the healing power of nature, and we make it our business to build exceptional teams of responsible environmental stewards who produce outstanding products. Our Culture: Gaia Herbs cares deeply about our people, so the well-being of our employees and communities is always a top priority. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and supportive workplace where communication and mutual respect are the norm. We strive for excellence by taking initiative, leaning into collaboration, and delivering results in all that we do. Why Gaia Herbs? At Gaia Herbs, you can make a meaningful difference while working in an inspiring, supportive, and collaborative environment. Come join the crew and help as we create healing and promote wellness at work, in our communities, and around the world. Pay & Benefits: We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including: 401k Retirement Savings Plan with company match program Wellness Program including quarterly on-site wellness clinics Medical Insurance coverage starting first full month of employment Dental & Vision Insurance coverage options available Generous Paid Time Off and company holidays from Day 1 Employee Perks: Lunch Program featuring Gaia-grown & locally sourced ingredients Veggie Program free farmers market of seasonal Gaia-grown produce Product Discounts on all Gaia Herbs brand products Partner Discounts on products from companies like Dr. Bronner’s, Prana, PACT, & more JOB SUMMARY: The Junior Cost Accountant in the supplement industry is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on the costs associated with producing and selling supplements, including raw materials, manufacturing processes, and overhead expenses. The Jr. Cost Accountant will be responsible for analyzing and evaluating cost variances, identifying areas for cost optimization and providing critical financial data to management for decision-making, while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and accounting standards. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Cost Analysis: Calculate and track the cost of each supplement product, including raw materials, labor, packaging, and overhead costs. Analyze variances between standard costs and actual production costs, identifying areas for improvement. Track key operational KPI performance. Monitor inventory levels and access and obsolescence risks. Reporting and Budgeting: Prepare detailed cost reports for management, including cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis, variance reports, and profitability breakdowns. Develop and maintain budgets for production costs, working closely with operations teams. Forecast future cost trends and identify potential cost-saving opportunities. Process Improvement: Collaborate with the operation teams to identify and implement cost-reduction strategies Analyze production processes to optimize efficiency and minimize waste Review and update standard costs based on changes in materials, labor rates, or manufacturing processes Find, fix, prevent and create solutions to any posting control errors found in the ERP system. Compliance and Audit Support: Ensure adherence to FDA regulations regarding labeling, ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing practices Assist with internal and external audits related to cost accounting practices Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and methodologies Experience with ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills Detail-oriented with high accuracy standards Ability to work independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams Specific Considerations for the Supplement Industry: Knowledge of dietary supplement regulations (e.g., FDA, GMP) Understanding of raw material sourcing and quality control procedures Familiarity with different supplement formats (tablets, capsules, powders, liquids) Ability to analyze complex cost structures related to ingredient variations and batch size PHYSICAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear; and taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to be able to view a computer screen. WORK ENVIRONMENT State the environment and related hazards and noise levels. Example: The employee in this position primarily works in an office environment, but may infrequently pass through a manufacturing plant, where they would be exposed to moving mechanical parts, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and loud noise. The above statements are meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.