Plant Accountant
Plant AccountantSUMMARY:
As the company continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking our first
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
SCHEDULE:
COMPANY OVERVIEW:
Plant Accountant
SUMMARY:
As the company continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking our firstPlant AccountantThis newly created role will serve as a critical financial partner between operations and accounting, helping support plant-level decision-making through data integrity, inventory control, and cost accounting accuracy.
Reporting jointly to the Plant Manager and Corporate Accounting, this position is responsible for ensuring accurate financial, statistical, and operational data is captured and reported. The ideal candidate will have a strong cost accounting foundation, exceptional Excel skills, and the ability to bridge operational and financial priorities. Must have manufacturing experience.
- Partner through the system conversion from Korber and Great Plains to RF Smart and NetSuite.
- Seeking experience Great Plains, WMS, NetSuite, or RF Smart a strong plus
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Cost Accounting & Financial Analysis
Prepare and maintain reconciliations for all inventory-related accounts
Monitor daily production and analyze standard vs. actual cost variances
Prepare bill of materials and evaluate costing accuracy of production runs
Manage and prepare monthly close, journal entries, and financial statements
Process raw consumption reports and assist with P&L analysis
Develop management reports with focus on system accuracy and data presentation
Inventory & Audit Control
Coordinate and support annual physical inventory counts
Collaborate with operations to implement inventory control procedures
Identify and resolve discrepancies between operational practices and financial records
Reconcile Great Plains (GP), Korber, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
Ensure proper execution of inventory transactions and variance resolution
Partner through the system conversion from Korber and Great Plains to RF Smart and NetSuite
Operational Support & System Implementation
Act as a key liaison between the Hastings plant and Jacksonville’s accounting team
Provide ongoing support for capital projects and cross-functional initiatives
Partner through the ERP system transition from Korber/GP to RF Smart and NetSuite
Schedule and process daily inventory transactions and work order paperwork
Administrative & Cross-Functional Tasks
Support the Accounts Payable process in PaperSave
Assist with logistics/shipping and ensure order accuracy (pick tickets, freight coordination)
Work closely with the plant team on data entry, reporting, and administrative tasks
Supervise and support the inventory office clerk role
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (preferred) or equivalent experience (2–4 years)
Prior experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred
Seeking experience Great Plains, WMS, NetSuite, or RF Smart a strong plus
Technical Skills
Strong cost accounting and inventory management skills
Advanced Microsoft Excel knowledge (including complex formulas)
Experience with ERP/WMS systems and data reconciliation
Soft Skills
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Strong work ethic with attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
High level of organization, time management, and adaptability
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:
May lift up to 50 lbs; ability to stand, bend, reach, twist, and climb stairs
Work includes time in refrigerated areas (35–45°F)
Fast-paced environment; ability to manage stress and competing priorities
Must be able to wear required PPE
SCHEDULE:
Full-time position, Monday–Friday with occasional Saturdays
Typical schedule is 8-hour shifts with minimal overtime
No travel required
COMPANY OVERVIEW:
We are a privately owned, growing food manufacturing company offering a competitive compensation package including health/dental coverage and a retirement plan. We value diversity, integrity, and a collaborative team culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome all qualified applicants.
Freqently Asked Questions
A skilled Plant Accountant excels in cost accounting, inventory reconciliation, and advanced Excel capabilities. Familiarity with ERP systems like NetSuite or Great Plains enhances accuracy in reporting, while strong analytical thinking bridges operational data with financial strategy, crucial for manufacturing environments like Grand Island.
Advancement often leads from Plant Accountant to roles such as Senior Cost Accountant, Manufacturing Finance Manager, or Plant Controller. Gaining expertise in ERP transitions and operational finance at companies like Schuback Search Associates can open doors to corporate accounting or cross-functional leadership positions.
Daily tasks include monitoring production costs, reconciling inventory accounts, and analyzing cost variances, directly influencing budgeting and operational decisions. This role ensures data integrity and supports process improvements, which boost manufacturing efficiency and profitability in facilities like those in Grand Island.
Schuback Search Associates positions the Plant Accountant as a pivotal link between plant operations and corporate accounting. This role collaborates closely with plant managers and finance teams to oversee inventory control, support ERP transitions, and provide critical financial insights for operational excellence.
This role involves hands-on participation in transitioning from Korber and Great Plains to RF Smart and NetSuite, offering valuable experience in ERP integration. It’s a chance to shape financial reporting workflows and inventory management systems, enhancing technical skills and cross-functional collaboration.
Grand Island’s manufacturing sector steadily demands skilled accountants familiar with cost control and ERP systems. While competition exists, candidates with manufacturing experience and proficiency in tools like NetSuite tend to stand out, benefiting from local employers valuing operational finance expertise.
Employers in Grand Island generally prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent experience, especially those versed in manufacturing cost accounting. Certifications such as CPA or CMA, while not mandatory, can enhance credibility and prospects in local manufacturing finance roles.
Plant Accountants in Grand Island typically earn between $55,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience and technical skills. Those proficient in ERP systems and cost accounting in manufacturing settings, like at Schuback Search Associates, may command salaries toward the higher end of this spectrum.
The Plant Accountant actively partners with operations, accounting, and logistics teams, facilitating capital projects and ensuring data accuracy across departments. This collaborative involvement helps streamline workflows and enhances financial transparency throughout the plant’s manufacturing processes.
Challenges include managing inventory discrepancies, adapting to multiple ERP systems during conversion, and balancing fast-paced operational demands. Preparing with strong problem-solving skills, detailed data analysis, and effective communication strategies will equip candidates to navigate these complexities successfully.
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