Cost Accountant

About This Role

This role oversees the financial performance of a manufacturing facility through accurate cost accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, and operational support. The Cost Accountant partners closely with plant leadership to drive profitability, identify cost-saving opportunities, and improve operational efficiency. It suits a hands-on finance professional with strong manufacturing and cost accounting experience, capable of translating financial data into actionable business insights.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Plant Manager and site leadership team to drive financial performance and accountability across the facility
• Provide financial guidance and analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making
• Ensure compliance with corporate financial policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Assist in the development, implementation, and achievement of the annual operating budget
• Support plant leadership in achieving financial and operational objectives
• Analyze plant financial results and key performance indicators to identify opportunities for improved profitability and efficiency
• Prepare and present plant financial reports, scorecards, and performance metrics to plant and business unit leadership
• Monitor financial performance against budgets, forecasts, and business targets
• Develop recommendations to improve operational performance and reduce costs
• Participate in the plant forecasting process, including analysis of trends, variances, risks, and opportunities
• Provide accurate financial projections and business insights to support decision-making
• Collaborate with operations and leadership teams to align financial plans with business objectives
• Maintain accurate cost accounting systems and ensure proper allocation of labor, materials, and overhead costs
• Monitor manufacturing costs and analyze variances related to production, materials, labor, and inventory
• Oversee inventory valuation, cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliation processes
• Ensure accurate accounting and reporting of inventory, fixed assets, and manufacturing costs
• Implement and maintain effective controls to safeguard company assets
• Participate in month-end financial close activities, including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and balance sheet reviews
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with company policies and accounting standards
• Support internal and external audits and provide required documentation
• Drive cost reduction initiatives and process improvements throughout the facility
• Support Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives
• Collaborate on projects involving product development, purchasing optimization, capital investments, and operational improvements
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making
• Build strong cross-functional relationships with Operations, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Engineering, and Human Resources
• Provide financial training and guidance to operational leaders as needed
• Support the development of a culture of accountability, teamwork, and high performance
• Promote and support a safe working environment
• Demonstrate MCC's values, ethical standards, and commitment to excellence
• Participate in special projects and perform additional duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum 1-2 years of progressive experience in Cost Accounting, Financial Analysis, or Manufacturing Finance
• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Experience partnering with plant operations and leadership teams
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing financial systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to present financial information clearly and effectively to leadership teams
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Rational, logical, and fact-based decision-making
• Ability to influence and collaborate at all organizational levels
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated leadership and team development skills
• Ability to work within both office and manufacturing environments
• Ability to move throughout the production facility as required
• Occasional travel to customer, supplier, or company locations

Nice to have:

• CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent certification

About the Company

Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) is the global leader in premium labels, crafting labels for iconic brands. MCC operates a network of facilities across more than 25 countries and employs over 12,000 teammates.