Cost Accountant (End Plant)

Brief Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Our Waco, TX facility manufactures aluminum ends/lids for beverage cans commonly used for soft drinks, beers, energy drinks, teas and non-carbonated beverages. Using state of the art end-making technology, this high-speed environment provides rewarding manufacturing opportunities.

The Cost Accountant plays a vital role in the financial management of our high-volume aluminum end manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for analyzing and reporting all costs associated with raw materials (aluminum coils), labor, overhead, and production variances. The Cost Accountant will provide crucial data and analysis to management to support pricing decisions, profitability tracking, process efficiency improvements, and inventory valuation in a lean, high-speed environment.

Essential Job Functions

COST ANALYSIS AND REPORTING

• Develop, maintain, and analyze the standard cost system for all finished goods (can ends) and work-in-process (WIP) inventory, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Conduct deep analysis of production variances, including material usage variance (especially aluminum scrap rates), labor efficiency, and overhead absorption to identify root causes and quantify financial impacts.
• Manage the accurate valuation of raw materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory, performing monthly reconciliations and ensuring compliance with GAAP/IFRS standards.
• Lead the cost-related activities for the monthly financial close, including journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and reporting on the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).
• Collaborate with operations and finance teams to develop annual budgets and periodic forecasts for material, labor, and overhead costs, highlighting key risks and opportunities.

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT AND IMPROVEMENT

• Partner with Plant Operations to analyze manufacturing processes, identifying cost drivers and recommending methods to improve production efficiency and reduce waste (e.g., in the high-speed press and coating lines).
• Assist in the financial justification and tracking of capital projects, performing post-completion audits to evaluate actual savings and ROI.
• Prepare detailed product line profitability reports, customer contribution margins, and gross profit analysis to guide sales and marketing strategies.
• Ensure the integrity of cost data within the ERP system (e.g., SAP) by auditing Bill of Materials (BOMs), routings, and material master records.

Requirements

EDUCATION \& EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; in lieu of Bachelor’s Degree, minimum 4 years’ experience in a leadership role serving in manufacturing plus the required years of experience listed below.
• Solid understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) related to cost accounting and inventory valuation.
• Expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, advanced formulas). Strong working knowledge of a major ERP system (SAP experience preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable business insights for non-financial managers.

Preferred

• 3\+ years of experience as a Cost Accountant or Analyst, preferably in a food-grade or in high-speed automated machinery, preferably in metal forming, packaging, or the can manufacturing industry.

General Skills/Experience

• Aptitude in spatial reasoning, attention to detail, and skilled craftsmanship.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience (work with machines and general tooling).
• Skilled in hand and power tool usage.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery.
• Ability to follow proper safety procedures.
• Use of precision measuring instruments.
• Working knowledge of all automation standard practices.
• Proactive and takes ownership to resolve problems and issues.
• Ability to work with employees from many different cultures and backgrounds.
• Strong organizational and planning skills and housekeeping standards.
• Ability to plan and execute major tasks.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to interact well with vendors, team members, staff, contractors, and others.
• Willing to participate in meetings and work with all teams.
• Demonstrate and initiate safe work practices.
• Self-starter, capable of self-supervision and willing to accept a variety of assignments.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements or efficiencies leading to cost reductions.
• Strives to enhance the overall knowledge and performance level of self and others.
• A demonstrated experience where quick-thinking and problem solving plays a critical role.

Software/Computer Skills \& Experience

• General knowledge of basic hardware and software and uses of a variety of different computer operating systems such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Google Workspace and web-site software.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Management maintains the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Environmental \& Physical Factors

The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the position(s). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Works primarily in a warehouse/manufacturing facility. Daily contact with other departmental personnel. Occasionally works in all weather conditions, extreme temperatures, around chemicals and chemical fumes/emissions, dusty \& clean environments. Frequently works with electrical and mechanical hazards. When working with surplus and scrap materials, will frequently be required to work outside and/or in an unaired conditioned warehouse. Continuous use of vision, hearing and speech. Frequent sitting, standing, walking and occasional bending. Will lift, carry, pull / push, and reach for supplies and on occasion lifting (up to 50 lbs.) while performing various aspects of the job. Will need to climb stairs, climb ladders, lift and move objects, requires manual dexterity and repetitive use of keyboard/computer devices/power tools/machining equipment; Wear safety equipment, such as earplugs, goggles, and steel-toed shoes.

Hours / Special Conditions

This position is primarily day shift, Monday through Friday. Must be present to fulfill job duties and meet operational demands/support. Schedules may vary depending on plant operational needs; flexibility is required, which may include long days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Envases Commerce, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.