Senior Cost Accountant

WHO WE ARE
At Ghirardelli, we honor tradition and drive innovation, aiming to be the top choice for premium chocolate. Our commitment to Making Life A Bite Better inspires both our products and the way we do business. We support personal and professional growth, recognizing that each employee’s contribution directly impacts Ghirardelli’s growth and success. Join our dynamic team and help shape Ghirardelli's future.
Job Summary
The Senior Cost Accountant is a strategic partner to the operations team, with responsibility for balanced financial support and oversight. The role requires fundamental ownership of the books for Cost of Goods Sold with the ability to provide relevant visibility and strategic financial insight. The role requires innovation and the ability to develop new processes and manage change while earning respect as a cross-functional employee. As a Senior Cost Accountant, it is critical that this candidate identifies opportunities within the business to help operations and supply chain make better investments and execute existing strategies and objectives. This role has significant opportunities to work with operations leaders and finance leaders to make an impact.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
--Liaise with Industrial Performance and Production Admin personnel (future position to be filled) in collecting accurate data from the production line and applying such data in establishing standard routings.
--Support ongoing creation/and or enhancement of ERP SAP S/4HANA reports using BI and Evolve
--Support with reconciling and closing work orders weekly across all Business Units
--Support R&R with development of Cost of Goods
--Maintain/update the monthly COGS Variances Report
--Present weekly production consumption variances to Operations
--Present monthly summary of COGS variances to Operations
--Update monthly KPI report and provide comments to VP of Operations
--Drive Cost Savings initiatives in Operations and Supply Chain
--Support Operations with analytics on day-to-day data driven business decisions
--Support the FI Pillar in the development of operations financial reporting, investigation of variances, root cause analyses, and solving complex manufacturing issues.
--Month end Close and Forecasting (Budget/Latest Estimate)
Perform month end close efficiently and effectively with accounting and other cross functions business partners.
Explain in detail Purchase Price Variances, Labor Variances, Work Order Variances, Stock Adjustments, and variances to budget for distribution
--Support the Supply Chain Finance with the Annual Budget for Direct Materials, Labor, and Overhead
Develop accurate product costing for existing and new products
Have balanced approach to communicate risks and opportunities
--Product Costing
Work cross functionally with Project Management, Master Data and Operation teams on new product development to develop estimated product costs and gross profit by item.
Recommend solutions to improve profitability by item via supply chain efficiencies.
Be able to understand all components of supply chain costs including costs to manufacture, co-pack, co- manufacture, and distribute to customer
--Full knowledge of routings and scrap rates and how they impact gross profit.
--Inventory Management
Understand transactional flow of raw materials, work in progress, and finished goods.
Be able to identify gaps in cycle count process, work order consumption, production receipts, and purchase receipts.
Work with Procurement, Planning, and Logistics to drive reductions in inventory.
Understand monthly variances and be able to forecast for future months on expenses and absorption.
Be able to explain components of Revaluation and Deferrals.
Perform month end variance analysis for management.
--Candidate will need to influence Operations and Supply Chain and Finance leadership in the areas of business case analysis
--Ad-Hoc -- Decision Support work for Operations Team, VP Operations and Finance leadership
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Strong Cost Accounting Background (at least 4 years) and Experience within a CPG company
Ability to take initiative and become a business owner
Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills
Be able to demonstrate ability to develop and improve standard costs.
Exhibit in-depth understanding of Cogs Variances- e.g., PPV, Labor, Indirect Cost, Coman/Co-pack, Phys. Stock Adj., Destruction, monthly deferrals, and revaluation
Full Knowledge of SAP S/4HANA related to standard cost, inventory transactions and the General Ledger
Understanding of a full P&L, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows and their relationship
Ability to collaborate with cross functional business partners and influence the outcome of strategic decisions
Strong Communication and Analytical Skills including presenting and interpreting financial implications of strategic decisions
Strong Excel skills in building working models and business management tools.
Ability to prepare and present ad-hoc presentations and analyses to senior management
Some background in Lean Manufacturing
Other Job Requirements
Required to regularly sit at a workstation.
Must be able to work seated or standing for at least 8 hours in a normal office environment.
Must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detail.
Must be able to work from the office at least three days per week.
Frequently enter the manufacturing plant.
Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Occasional travel may be required.
Salary: $84000 to $109000 / year