Cost Accountant – Building Materials Manufacturing Co.

Company: Confidential Company

Location: Jeddah · Saudi Arabia

Category: Manufacturing

Job Description: **Cost Accountant**

**Location:** [Company Location]

**Job Type:** Full-Time

**Industry:** Manufacturing

**Job Summary:**

A reputable manufacturing organization seeks a meticulous and experienced Cost Accountant to oversee and manage all aspects of cost accounting. The successful candidate will be responsible for the comprehensive analysis, accurate recording, and rigorous control of production-related costs. This pivotal role will contribute significantly to cost optimization initiatives, the development and execution of budgets, and informed financial decision-making.

**Key Responsibilities:**

* **Cost Accounting & Analysis:** Meticulously maintain and analyze cost accounting records, generating comprehensive reports detailing cost variations. Monitor product costing methodologies, inventory valuation practices, and variance analysis procedures. Conduct thorough analysis of material, labor, and overhead costs to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting. Proactively identify and evaluate cost reduction opportunities, recommending and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and profitability.
* **Inventory & Manufacturing Cost Control:** Execute monthly and quarterly inventory reconciliations and audits, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of inventory records. Oversee the proper valuation of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventories. Diligently monitor waste, scrap, and by-product costs, recommending and implementing cost control measures to minimize losses and maximize resource utilization.
* **Budgeting & Forecasting:** Provide support in the development of annual budgets and periodic forecasts for manufacturing operations. Analyze standard costs against actual costs, reporting variances with detailed explanations. Support strategic pricing initiatives by providing accurate cost data and profitability analysis, enabling informed pricing decisions.
* **Compliance & Reporting:** Ensure strict adherence to accounting standards (GAAP, IFRS) and cost accounting principles. Prepare comprehensive cost reports for management review, auditor verification, and regulatory compliance. Provide support to the finance team during internal and external audits related to cost accounting procedures.

**Qualifications & Requirements:**

* Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field is required. A professional certification such as CA, CMA, CPA, or ACCA is preferred.
* A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressive experience in cost accounting is required, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
* Demonstrated expertise in costing methods, including but not limited to FIFO, LIFO, Weighted Average, and Standard Costing.
* Proven experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
* Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial modeling and analysis.
* Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, both written and verbal.

**Preferred Skills:**

* Experience in lean manufacturing principles, process costing methodologies, and variance analysis techniques.
* Familiarity with cost allocation and absorption costing techniques.
* Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams in production, procurement, and finance.

**Benefits:**

The company offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives. A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, is provided. Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are available.