Senior Cost Accountant Polyloom, a TenCate company

Location:

Dayton, TN (on-site)

Reports To:

Assistant Controller Company Overview TenCate is a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and delivery of high-performance synthetic turf systems and related materials, supported by a strong portfolio of operating companies across North America. Polyloom, a TenCate company, is part of TenCate's North American manufacturing operations. The Dayton, Tennessee team supports the production environment through a strong focus on quality, operational efficiency, cost control, and continuous improvement. Position Summary Polyloom is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Cost Accountant with a strong cost accounting focus to support accounting and financial reporting for its Dayton, Tennessee manufacturing operations. This role plays a key part in product costing, standard cost analysis, monthly close, financial statement preparation, account reconciliation, budgeting, and financial analysis. The Senior Cost Accountant will work closely with the Assistant Controller and cross-functional operations teams to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information, provide meaningful analysis of manufacturing costs and variances, explain financial results, identify cost-saving opportunities, and support an efficient, adjustment-free year-end audit. Key Responsibilities Prepare consolidated internal and external financial statements by gathering and analyzing information from the general ledger and operating departments. Maintain and balance automated consolidation processes, including data input, scheduled processing, and verification of results. Review monthly expenses, account activity, and variances; research unusual amounts and clearly explain findings to management. Lead and support cost accounting activities within a vertically integrated manufacturing environment, including product costing, standard cost development and maintenance, actual-to-standard cost analysis, and monthly review of manufacturing cost performance. Analyze manufacturing cost drivers, including raw materials, labor, overhead, production variances, and other operational factors; investigate unusual trends or variances and clearly communicate findings to management. Support the annual budgeting and standard-cost process, including raw material estimates, labor and overhead calculations, departmental spending budgets, and related cost assumptions. Partner closely with Operations and manufacturing leadership to understand production processes, inventory flows, cost drivers, and opportunities to improve cost visibility, accuracy, and control. Prepare and post general ledger entries, maintain supporting records and files, and reconcile balance sheet and other assigned accounts. Prepare accruals and related accounting entries, assign account classifications as appropriate, and support accurate payment and reconciliation processes. Analyze existing accounting and cost-accounting procedures and recommend improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and clarity of financial and operational information. Spend time on the manufacturing floor to build a strong understanding of production processes, product costs, operating challenges, and opportunities for process improvement and cost savings. Partner with departments across the organization to maintain accurate financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Maintain the confidentiality of financial, business, and organizational information. Support month-end and year-end close activities and work closely with the Assistant Controller to help ensure accurate closes and a successful year-end audit. Perform other duties and accounting projects as assigned based on business needs. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. Five to seven years of accounting experience preferred, with direct manufacturing accounting experience strongly preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of cost accounting in a manufacturing environment, including product costing, standard costs, manufacturing variances, raw materials, labor, overhead, and related cost analysis, strongly preferred. Strong understanding of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, monthly close, financial reporting, budgeting, and GAAP. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel required. Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and Cognos Controller preferred. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify cost trends, manufacturing variances, financial risks, and opportunities for operational improvement. Strict attention to detail with strong organizational and time-management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain financial and cost-accounting information to finance, operations, and leadership stakeholders. Self-motivated, proactive, and comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team. Work Environment & Physical Demands This position is based in a manufacturing environment and includes regular office-based accounting work as well as time on the manufacturing floor to understand operations and support improvement initiatives. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently walk and sit; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and communicate verbally. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level is generally quiet in the office environment; exposure to manufacturing areas may involve higher noise levels and require appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Work Authorization Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Equal Employment Opportunity Polyloom, a TenCate company, is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be modified or assigned based on business needs.