The Accounting & Financial Analyst is responsible for providing accounting and analytical support across multiple areas of the Accounting and Finance department. This role will have a strong focus on cost and inventory accounting while also supporting financial analysis, account reconciliations, month-end close, budgeting and forecasting, and other departmental activities. This position works closely with the cost accounting function to develop a strong understanding of manufacturing costs, inventory, standard costing, and operational performance and will cross-train to provide backup support for key cost accounting responsibilities.
PRIMARY DUTIES
Cost & Inventory Accounting - Primary Focus Support cost and inventory accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, manufacturing variances, overhead, and labor analysis Assist with analysis of manufacturing performance and investigate significant cost, usage, labor, and overhead variances Perform inventory-related account reconciliations and assist with inventory reserves and other month-end inventory activities Support cycle counts and physical inventory processes, including research and reconciliation of inventory differences Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inventory flows, and related accounting transactions Cross-train on key cost accounting responsibilities to provide backup coverage and business continuity Work with Operations, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and other departments to research and resolve inventory and costing issues Assist with product, customer, channel, margin, and other operational profitability analysis as needed Financial Analysis, Budgeting & Forecasting Prepare recurring and ad hoc financial analysis to support the Controller and other business leaders Analyze actual financial results against budget, forecast, prior periods, and other relevant benchmarks Assist with identifying and explaining significant financial and operational variances Support the annual budgeting process and periodic financial forecasts Gather and organize financial and operational information used in budgets and forecasts Prepare supporting schedules, trend analyses, and financial models as needed Assist with scenario analysis and other planning activities Support development and improvement of financial and operational reporting and key performance indicators Assist with analysis of margins, rebates and allowances, working capital, and other business performance measures General Accounting & Month-End Close Prepare assigned balance sheet account reconciliations and maintain appropriate supporting documentation Prepare journal entries and supporting schedules as part of the monthly close process Research and resolve reconciling items and accounting discrepancies Assist with monthly financial reporting and variance analysis Support internal and external audit requests as needed Maintain organized and audit-ready documentation Support compliance with internal controls and company procedures Additional Responsibilities Assist with international vendor deposits, inventory-in-transit, and related reconciliations Assist with GRNI and purchasing-related accounting and reconciliations Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, reporting, controls, and data quality Assist with departmental process improvements, automation initiatives, and special projects Communicate effectively with Accounting, Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, Purchasing, and other departments to research and resolve issues Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support changing business and departmental needs
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 3-5 years of accounting, cost accounting, financial analysis, or related experience Experience with cost and inventory accounting Understanding of general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and month-end close processes Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Strong Microsoft Excel skills and ability to work effectively with large amounts of financial and operational data ERP experience and understanding of transaction flows within ERP systems Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across departments Preferred Manufacturing or distribution industry experience Experience with standard costing, manufacturing variance analysis, and inventory valuation Experience with SAP or similar ERP system Experience supporting budgeting and forecasting activities Experience with financial reporting, business intelligence, or data visualization tools Exposure to rebates and allowances, sales tax, fixed assets, or other general accounting functions
