Cost/Staff Accountant II

The Staff Accountant II is an experienced individual contributor responsible for key accounting functions, including inventory costing, month-end close, account analysis and fixed asset accounting within a multi-location manufacturing environment. The Staff Accountant II plays a critical part in ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance with GAAP. This role will also examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare business unit financial statements. Key Responsibilities Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. Completes month-end close process for assigned Food Division business units Analyze cost of goods sold (COGS), gross margin, and manufacturing overhead absorption, identifying unusual trends or fluctuations for assigned Food Division business units. Review and validate monthly inventory valuation in accordance with GAAP and company policies, including standard costs and absorption of manufacturing overhead. Analyze inventory movements (receipts, production, adjustments, scrap, rework) to ensure accuracy and proper financial treatment. Supports Senior Accounting Manager with annual standard cost updates for assigned Food Division business units. Posts recurring and standard monthly journal entries. Prepares balance sheet account reconciliations, researches, and resolves discrepancies. Ensure timely and accurate completion of monthly, quarterly, and annual close responsibilities. Provides outside auditors with assistance; gathers necessary account information and documents to perform an annual audit Maintains Fixed Asset ledger, including additions, disposals, transfers, and depreciation calculations. Assist in maintaining the statement of values for insurance covering fixed assets and inventory. Assists with capital budgeting, project maintenance, and reporting for capital and repair and maintenance spend. Supports annual physical inventory of fixed assets. Audits, reviews, and approves accounts payable journal entries. Provides support to higher-level accounting employees as needed to ensure a timely month-end close. Assists with preparation of business unit financial statements, ledgers, and reports referring to complex problems to higher-level accounting employees. Provides a professional approach to dealing with issues of a confidential nature. Other duties as assigned by management. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Education and Formal Training Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required Minimum three to five (3-5) years of related experience required, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Knowledge, Skills and Ability Strong understanding of inventory costing and fixed asset accounting. Exposure to standard costing systems and variance analysis. Experience supporting external audits. High attention to detail with the ability to manage deadlines. Strong critical thinking, financial analysis, organization, and communication skills. Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis). Knowledge of Dynamics/Great Plains or similar experience required. Self-motivated, able to handle multiple projects and priorities. Demonstrated ability to work independently with moderate supervision. Continuous improvement mindset with a desire to learn and grow. Benefits Insurance coverage that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance and flexible spending accounts (To be eligible for benefits, the employee must work at least 30 hours per week (or 130 hours per month)) 401(k) with employer match Paid holidays and competitive vacation/sick pay plans Tuition assistance program Employee stock ownership program (ESOP)