Accounting Analyst

Job DescriptionJob Title: Accounting AnalystDepartment: Corporate Accounting / AdministrationReports To: Director of Finance & AccountingFLSA Status: ExemptJob SummaryThe Accounting Analyst is responsible for supporting accurate, timely accounting and financial reporting for assigned plant locations. This role partners directly with General Managers and plant personnel to investigate trends and variances, ensure appropriate documentation, and improve financial understanding at the site and consolidated level. The Accounting Analyst also supports Accounts Payable processes by helping oversee invoice flow and ensuring accurate coding to cost centers and general ledger accounts, while providing analytical insight and decision support. The role is expected to leverage modern analytical tools, including AI enabled solutions, to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability of accounting and financial processes.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesEssential duties include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional duties may be assigned as business needs evolve:Perform monthly financial close support, including journal entry preparation, payroll financial data review, balance sheet reconciliations, and analytical reviews for assigned plants. Work directly with General Managers and other plant personnel for assigned sites to support month end close, review results, and perform trend and variance analysis; identify drivers, investigate anomalies, and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting. Support FP&A activities, including annual budgeting, periodic forecasting, variance analysis, and trend identification. Analyze spending, operational drivers, and financial performance for assigned plants; clearly communicate insights and recommendations. Prepare ad hoc financial analyses and decision‑support materials for the Director of Finance & Accounting and senior management. Assist with inventory counts, reconciliations, and optimization efforts in partnership with plant operations. Support process improvements related to reporting accuracy, close efficiency, and financial transparency. Run and validate applicable ERP and reporting system outputs (e.g., Sage Intelligence) used during month‑end close and forecast cycles. Utilize Concur to manage accounts payable activities, including invoice and expense coding, routing for approvals, and ensuring accurate and timely processing. Help oversee Accounts Payable (AP) invoices for assigned sites, including reviewing for appropriate support, ensuring correct coding to cost centers/GL accounts, and partnering with plant teams to resolve discrepancies and support timely approvals. Develop clear spreadsheets, models, dashboards, and data visualizations to communicate financial results and key drivers. Leverage AIenabled and digital tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot and reporting automation) to enhance financial analysis, reporting efficiency, and insight generation. Identify opportunities to improve financial processes through automation, data optimization, and scalable analytical solutions. Exercise sound judgment in selecting practical, innovative approaches to analysis and problem resolution. Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Human Resources, and other teams to support financial accuracy and business outcomes. QUALIFICATIONSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate:High integrity, ownership, and commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to gather, interpret, and communicate financial information. Intellectual curiosity and agility; comfortable working through unfamiliar problems and evolving tools. Strong organizational and time‑management skills; ability to meet deadlines with minimal supervision. Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across functions. Attention to detail while maintaining a broader business perspective. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEBachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related business field from an accredited college or university. 23 years of relevant professional experience in finance, accounting, FP&A, and/or a manufacturing / operational environment required. Solid understanding of fundamental accounting principles and financial statements. TECHNICAL & ANALYTICAL SKILLSAdvanced Excel proficiency, including functions such as XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, SUMIF(S), IF/Nested IF statements, and pivot tables. Working knowledge of ERP systems and financial reporting tools; experience with Sage or similar platforms preferred. Quantitative and analytical capabilities using basic statistical or financial models. Comfort working with databases, structured data, and analytical tools. Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI‑enabled tools as part of day‑to‑day financial work. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESThis role has no direct supervisory responsibilities. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSInfrequent travel may be required to plant locations. LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION SKILLSAbility to read, analyze, and interpret business publications, financial reports, and operational data. Ability to clearly communicate financial information—both written and verbal—to audiences at various levels of the organization. Ability to present complex information in a concise, logical, and professional manner. WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDSWork is performed primarily in an office environment. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.