Cost Accountant

Elevate the Future with Lesaffre! For over 170 years, Lesaffre has been a pioneering force in the world of fermentation, harnessing the power of microorganisms to transform industries from baking to healthcare. As a key global player, we've built a presence in 96 countries, employing 11,000 passionate innovators who share our unwavering commitment to excellence. Driven by our core values of passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our 3-billion euro enterprise collaborates with visionary customers, partners, and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bioactives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being, and improve plant nutrition. What We Offer The opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits starting on day one, including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match11 paid holidaysThe ability to leverage your expertise and make a tangible, meaningful impact on the business and our sustainability initiativesOpportunities for continuous growth and development, including the ability to take on new challenges and collaborate across our international business units How You'll Contribute To Our Success As the Cost Accountant across two manufacturing sites, you’ll ensure accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and financial reporting that directly impacts profitability. By analyzing cost data, automating processes, and streamlining month-end close, you’ll turn numbers into actionable insights that help leadership make smarter decisions. This role lets you solve real financial challenges, improve operational efficiency, and drive continuous improvement—all while shaping the financial strategy of a growing business. If you love making data-driven impact, this is your chance to own critical processes and see your work move the needle. What You’ll Do As a Cost Accountant Safety: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre’s safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs Month-End & Cost Reporting: Performs month-end close activities, including cost analysis, variance reporting (actual vs. budget/prior year), and expense allocations to business unitsPrepares and distributes monthly cost reports to plant and operations managers, highlighting key variances and trendsReconciles and analyzes general ledger accounts for inventory, accruals, and capital equipment to ensure accuracy Cost Analysis & Operational Support Analyzes cost drivers (raw materials, labor, overhead) and works with plant teams to explain variances and identify cost-saving opportunitiesSupports budgeting and forecasting by providing cost data and assisting in the preparation of annual budgets for manufacturing operationsEvaluates cost impacts of changes in materials, processes, or services, and communicates findings to operations teamsAssists with capital project accounting, including tracking expenditures and ensuring proper classification (capital vs. expense). ERP & Compliance Maintains accurate cost records in SAP, ensuring proper account coding, tax assessment, and inventory valuationSupports mid-year and year-end audits by preparing documentation and assisting auditors with cost-related inquiriesIdentifies and resolves discrepancies in cost data, working with cross-functional teams to improve data integrity Collaboration & Continuous Improvement Partners with plant and operations managers to provide financial insights and support decision makingParticipates in process improvement initiatives, such as ERP enhancements or cost accounting workflow optimizationsAssists with ad-hoc projects (e.g., cost studies, system implementations) as needed to support business needsOther duties as assigned Required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or universityOne to two years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment utilizing SAP, OR three or more years of experience with any large ERP system across any industry are requiredWorking knowledge of multiple units of measure for inventory and product costingAdvanced proficiency in desktop software applications such as Microsoft Office (spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, and project management)Working knowledge of a large ERP system is requiredProven experience synthesizing complex or diverse financial data, conducting in-depth research, and leveraging analytical intuition to drive data-informed decision-making Preferred qualifications: CPA/CMA is a plusSAP is highly desired Experience working within a manufacturing setting is preferred Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.