Plant Accountant

About the role

The Plant Accountant position is within the Operations Accounting team at Darigold, a leading dairy cooperative. Reporting to the Operations Accounting Manager, this role supports various aspects of the Operations Accounting process across multiple plants. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with accounting processes, maintaining integrity of plant general ledger and balance sheet, and collaborating with corporate accounting teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with Darigold and plant accounting processes, policies and procedures.
• Maintain integrity of plant G/L and balance sheet.
• Understand and apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Participate in plant reporting, variance analysis, fixed asset accounting and reviews, customer claims, etc.
• Take a lead role in inventory accounting.
• Liaison with Corporate Accounting teams from a variety of areas: Tax, A/P, A/R, Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Cost Accounting

• With Controller, complete monthly financial close and reporting cycle.
• Prepare a variety of month-end journal entries, reconciliations and reports.
• Responsible for inventory valuation and maintenance of standards.
• Generate manufacturing variance, finished goods and material inventory reports.
• Collaborate with Production and Warehouse teams to resolve discrepancies.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Support Plant Controller in budgeting and forecasting by analyzing trends, compiling historical data, preparing schedules and performing other duties as assigned.

Decision Support/Business Partnering

• Partner with plant management and staff to support objectives of Operations team.
• Participate in plant problem solving and analytics to help drive performance.
• Participate in plant continuous improvement activities/teams as assigned.
• Provide manufacturing support and analysis in a variety of areas, including process performance and line efficiency, capital spending, inventory management, production costing and cost reduction initiatives.

Cross Training/Daily Production Entry

• Cross train on all daily production tasks as assigned to include accurately entering receipts of raw materials, ingredients and packaging and recording production and shipments of finished products.

Requirements

• BA/BS in Accounting/Finance or equivalent experience.
• 4-6 years of experience in an accounting or financial analyst role.
• Prior experience in a food or beverage production facility is preferred.
• Milk accounting experience is ideal.
• Inventory accounting experience is beneficial.
• Experience with Oracle, Kronos, Oracle BI, SAP Business Objects and other business software is preferred.
• Possesses experience in running timely, accurate month-end closings including inventory reconciliation, adjustments and accruals.
• Possesses experience in formulating journal entries and posting them to appropriate accounts.
• Possesses knowledge and experience in posting journal accruals and adjustments.
• Possesses knowledge of budgeting processes and variance monitoring.
• Demonstrated analytical ability, creativity, curiosity, diligence and initiative.
• Possesses a continuous improvement mindset and constructively challenges the status quo.
• Highly proficient in Excel with ability to learn and utilize a wide range of software programs.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Accounting/Finance or equivalent experience.
• 4-6 years of experience in an accounting or financial analyst role.
• Prior experience in a food or beverage production facility is preferred.
• Milk accounting experience is ideal.
• Inventory accounting experience is beneficial.
• Experience with Oracle, Kronos, Oracle BI, SAP Business Objects and other business software is preferred.
• Possesses experience in running timely, accurate month-end closings including inventory reconciliation, adjustments and accruals.
• Possesses experience in formulating journal entries and posting them to appropriate accounts.
• Possesses knowledge and experience in posting journal accruals and adjustments.
• Possesses knowledge of budgeting processes and variance monitoring.
• Demonstrated analytical ability, creativity, curiosity, diligence and initiative.
• Possesses a continuous improvement mindset and constructively challenges the status quo.
• Highly proficient in Excel with ability to learn and utilize a wide range of software programs.

Skills

• Knowledge of GAAP.
• Ability to run timely, accurate month-end closings including inventory reconciliation, adjustments and accruals.
• Experience in formulating journal entries and posting them to appropriate accounts.
• Experience in posting journal accruals and adjustments.
• Knowledge of budgeting processes and variance monitoring.
• Analytical ability, creativity, curiosity, diligence and initiative.
• Able to multi-task and work the hours required to successfully accomplish all tasks on time.
• Interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Ability to take on and successfully complete multiple projects and analyses in a timely manner.
• Continuous improvement mindset and constructively challenges the status quo.
• Proficient in Excel with ability to learn and utilize a wide range of software programs.

Benefits

• 401k competitive employer matching.
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits.
• Employer paid life & disability coverage.
• Paid time off and paid holidays.
• 8 weeks paid parental leave.
• Education assistance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement where it applies (up to 2 days/week after initial 90 days and approval by hiring manager and HR).
• Compensation range: $80,168.40-$97,761.00 (individual wage based on previous experience, knowledge, and skills).