Cost Accountant / Controller

About the position

Plant Accountant

SUMMARY:

As the company continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking our first Plant Accountant to join the Hastings team. This newly created role will serve as a critical financial partner between operations and accounting, helping support plant-level decision-making through data integrity, inventory control, and cost accounting accuracy.

Reporting jointly to the Plant Manager and Corporate Accounting in Jacksonville, this position is responsible for ensuring accurate financial, statistical, and operational data is captured and reported. The ideal candidate will have a strong cost accounting foundation, exceptional Excel skills, and the ability to bridge operational and financial priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cost Accounting & Financial Analysis

• Prepare and maintain reconciliations for all inventory-related accounts

• Monitor daily production and analyze standard vs. actual cost variances

• Prepare bill of materials and evaluate costing accuracy of production runs

• Manage and prepare monthly close, journal entries, and financial statements

• Process raw consumption reports and assist with P&L analysis

• Develop management reports with focus on system accuracy and data presentation

Inventory & Audit Control

• Coordinate and support annual physical inventory counts

• Collaborate with operations to implement inventory control procedures

• Identify and resolve discrepancies between operational practices and financial records

• Reconcile Great Plains (GP), Korber, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

• Ensure proper execution of inventory transactions and variance resolution

Operational Support & System Implementation

• Act as a key liaison between the Hastings plant and Jacksonville’s accounting team

• Provide ongoing support for capital projects and cross-functional initiatives

• Partner through the ERP system transition from Korber/GP to RF Smart and NetSuite

• Schedule and process daily inventory transactions and work order paperwork

Administrative & Cross-Functional Tasks

• Support the Accounts Payable process in PaperSave

• Assist with logistics/shipping and ensure order accuracy (pick tickets, freight coordination)

• Work closely with the plant team on data entry, reporting, and administrative tasks

• Supervise and support the inventory office clerk role

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (preferred) or equivalent experience (2–4 years)

• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred

• Experience with Great Plains, WMS, NetSuite, or RF Smart a strong plus

Technical Skills

• Strong cost accounting and inventory management skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel knowledge (including complex formulas)

• Experience with ERP/WMS systems and data reconciliation

Soft Skills

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

• Strong work ethic with attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• High level of organization, time management, and adaptability

• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• May lift up to 50 lbs; ability to stand, bend, reach, twist, and climb stairs

• Work includes time in refrigerated areas (35–45°F)

• Fast-paced environment; ability to manage stress and competing priorities

• Must be able to wear required PPE

SCHEDULE:

• Full-time position, Monday–Friday with occasional Saturdays

• Typical schedule is 8-hour shifts with minimal overtime

• No travel required

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

We are a privately owned, growing food manufacturing company offering a competitive compensation package including health/dental coverage and a retirement plan. We value diversity, integrity, and a collaborative team culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome all qualified applicants.

Place of work