Manager - Cost Accounting

Come Be Part of a Mission that Matters!

The Manager of Cost Accounting is responsible for overseeing and leading the cost accounting function within the organization. This position plays a critical role in financial planning, analysis, and control of production and operational costs. The ideal candidate will ensure accurate and timely reporting, provide strategic insights to optimize cost efficiency, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive financial performance and profitability.

This role offers a flexible hybrid schedule working out of our Lansing location.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Cost Accounting Management:

• Lead and manage the cost accounting team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of financial information.
• Oversee cost allocations, product costing, and inventory valuation.
• Develop and implement cost accounting systems, processes, and controls to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Conduct variance analysis (budget vs. actual) and provide insights to management on significant deviations.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and accounting principles.
• Partner with Operations Finance to help execute cost opportunities associated with manufactured and sourced products.

Financial Analysis and Reporting:

• Prepare and analyze detailed cost reports, including cost of goods sold (COGS), inventory turnover, and other key cost metrics.
• Own monthly reporting on scrap expense. Identify key drivers of scrap and proactively work with Manufacturing team to identify root cause & corrective actions.
• Work with the finance team to develop and monitor the cost structure of the business.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial close processes by providing cost accounting information and analysis.
• Present cost analysis findings and recommendations to senior management and other stakeholders.

Inventory Management:

• Oversee the inventory accounting process, including valuation, reconciliations, and cycle counts.
• Monitor and analyze inventory obsolescence and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Ensure the accuracy of inventory costing methods (FIFO, LIFO, standard costing, etc.) and their impact on financial statements.
• Lead successful annual standard cost update process. Throughout the year manage process to capitalize variances vs. standard cost into inventory.
• Oversee annual Physical Inventory process, from an accounting perspective, to ensure efficient & accurate process.
• Work with purchasing and manufacturing groups in support of initiatives focused on inventory rationalization and optimization

Compliance and Process Improvement:

• Ensure adherence to GAAP, IFRS, and other relevant accounting standards.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and transparency of cost accounting procedures.
• Support internal and external audits by providing relevant cost accounting data and documentation.
• SOX compliance by adhering to internal control requirements, maintaining updated documentation, and providing recommendations as appropriate.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• CPA, CMA, or equivalent certification highly desirable.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in cost accounting in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, financial analysis, and inventory management.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Solomon, etc.) and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex data in a clear and concise manner.
• High attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

WHO IS NEOGEN:

From farm to fork, we offer solutions to enhance the quality, quantity and safety of the global food supply. Our food safety diagnostics are used within farming operations to the production facilities of most of the world’s best-known food companies. Neogen’s solutions are critical to the health and well-being of our customers’ operations – and in turn their consumers. What we do matters!

Neogen’s culture combines stability with a deep believe in providing professional and personal growth. Our Pillars of Trust – the principles which guide our everyday decision—making, include Openness, Honesty, Credibility, Respect, and Service. It’s the belief in these characteristics that provide a consistent, happy and healthy work environment for our employees.