Job Overview
We are seeking a dynamic, bi-lingual in Japanese language, and detail-oriented Cost Accountant to join our financial team. In this vital role, you will be responsible for analyzing and managing the company’s cost structures, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Your expertise will support strategic decision-making, improve cost efficiency, and uphold the highest standards of financial integrity across our organization. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization committed to transparency, accountability, and operational excellence.
Job Description Position Title
Cost Accountant
Employment Status: Salaried/Exempt
Position Summary
The Cost Accountant is responsible for performing a broad range of accounting and cost accounting functions to support manufacturing operations and financial reporting requirements. This position reviews and processes financial accounting transactions, maintains cost accounting systems and records, and ensures plant-wide compliance with accounting, purchasing, and internal control policies.
The Cost Accountant assists management through financial analysis, variance reporting, forecasting, budgeting support, and the preparation of financial and operational reports. This role also contributes to process improvement initiatives and provides guidance and support to accounting team members as needed.
Japanese bilingual communication skills (speaking and writing) are preferred.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare monthly cost of sales entries and other month-end closing journal entries.
- Review and maintain product costing tables and related cost accounting records on a monthly basis.
- Assist in maintaining month-end closing schedules and ensuring reporting deadlines are met.
- Analyze weekly and monthly actual-versus-standard cost variances and collaborate with management to investigate and resolve discrepancies.
- Support forecasting, annual budgeting, and financial planning activities.
- Collect, compile, analyze, and interpret financial and statistical information for management reporting and special projects.
- Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports, including corporate reporting packages and management summaries.
- Maintain pricing discrepancy records and related accruals for raw material vendors.
- Process raw material accounts payable transactions, including intercompany and HSP-related transactions.
- Conduct cost studies and analyses to provide detailed cost information beyond standard accounting reports and systems.
- Prepare ad hoc analyses and special reports to support business decision-making.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, streamline workflows, reduce cycle times, and enhance internal controls.
- Assist with physical inventory counts, inventory audits, reconciliations, and inventory-related reporting.
- Provide support for Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance activities and internal/external audits.
- Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), company policies, and established accounting procedures.
- Support the development and training of accounting staff by sharing knowledge and best practices.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Minimum QualificationsEducation
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Business Administration
- Or a related field
Experience
- 3 to 5 years of progressive accounting experience.
- Minimum of 1 to 2 years of manufacturing accounting and cost accounting experience.
- Experience in repetitive and/or discrete manufacturing environments preferred.
- Experience supporting month-end close and financial reporting processes.
Technical Skills
- Experience with ERP systems and computerized accounting systems.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including:
- Pivot Tables
- VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP
- Financial modeling and analysis
- Data analysis and reporting
- Knowledge of cost accounting methodologies and inventory accounting practices.
- Understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis techniques.
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work accurately with large amounts of numerical and financial data.
- Ability to meet deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with employees at all organizational levels.
- Ability to interpret, explain, and apply accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision and exercise sound judgment.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and process optimization.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and provide high-quality customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Adaptability and comfort working in an evolving environment where new systems and processes are being implemented.
Preferred Qualifications
- Japanese language proficiency (business-level speaking, reading, and writing) strongly preferred.
- Experience supporting reporting requirements for a Japanese parent company or affiliated organization.
- CPA, CMA, or progression toward professional certification preferred.
- Experience with SOX compliance and audit support.
- Experience in automotive, industrial manufacturing, or high-volume production environments preferred.
- Familiarity with Japanese business culture and cross-functional communication practices preferred.
- Language Requirement English:
Professional working proficiency required.
Japanese: Business-level speaking, reading, and writing skills preferred. Ability to communicate with Japanese management and headquarters personnel is highly desirable.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
- Primarily office-based manufacturing environment.
- Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
Occasional presence on the production floor and participation in physical inventory counts may be required.
Pay: From $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) 4% Match
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
