Manager, Cost Accounting

We invite you to join Takasago, where you can be innovative and contribute to society through technology. The management of Takasago aims to create a company where each employee can experience a sense of fulfillment and happiness at a high level. Specifically, we strive to establish an environment where people from diverse backgrounds can work with joy and a sense of purpose, create a system that supports individual growth, and above all, implement management practices that enable employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Takasago is a major global leader and producer of flavors and fragrances providing innovative solutions in flavors, fragrances, aroma ingredients, and fine chemicals. Takasago is headquartered in Japan and operates in over 27 countries, with manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, and sales offices worldwide. Takasago ranked 8th overall and 1st in Asia on the Global Top Food Flavors and Fragrances Companies.

Takasago’s mission is deeply rooted in innovation, leveraging advanced scientific research to develop cutting-edge products. We continuously seek out new technologies in sensory science, biotechnology, and green chemistry to produce novel flavors and fragrances. We aim to stay ahead of global trends by delivering innovative solutions that resonate with consumers' evolving tastes and preferences.

Takasago invests heavily in research and development to remain at the forefront of innovation in flavors and fragrances. We are committed to sustainability, focusing on natural and environmentally friendly ingredients. Our R&D centers are known for using advanced technology, including sensory science and biotechnological advancements, to create unique products.

Takasago’s corporate culture is shaped by its core values of innovation, customer focus, sustainability, and respect for diversity. The company promotes a forward-thinking environment that fosters a collaborative, inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to think creatively while maintaining high ethical standards.

Under the supervision of the Controller, the Manager of Cost Accounting will develop and reconcile inventory and cost standards including production and overhead costs. The incumbent will track and evaluate day-to-day activities including establishing financial status by developing and implementing systems for collecting, analyzing, verifying, and reporting information. While working closely with the leadership of operations, supply chain and procurement teams, the candidate will develop and reconcile inventory and cost standards, including production and overhead costs. Finally, the manager will be responsible for the completion of Sox control-related work.

As a Manager of Cost Accounting, you will be responsible for working within the framework of a team and performing the following activities:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial closing process for costing and inventory modules, ensuring accuracy of transactions and entries
Prepare and review inventory and cost accounting journal entries and account reconciliations
Provide explanations for fluctuation analysis of gross margins
Review manufacturing variances and collaborate with operations teams to reduce them
Generate accurate and timely inventory and costing reports for operations teams
Analyze standard costs and review standard cost roll-ups for new products and production operations
Investigate and resolve large variances before finalizing rolling standards
Collaborate with operations teams to analyze inventory for potential excess and obsolete reserves
Directly interface with the Directors of Manufacturing of both plants - rotational schedule in Teterboro NJ and Harriman NY
Interact with internal/external auditors and provide analysis and audit schedules
Ensure compliance with internal control procedures
Provide management oversight to the cost accounting team and offer informal feedback and coaching
Conduct annual performance reviews for team member(s)
Various assignments, tasks and projects as assigned by the Controller or VP of Finance
Lead the plant capital budgeting process
Lead budget/forecast processes for the plants

Qualifications include:

B.S. degree in Accounting required, MBA and / or CPA strongly preferred.
At minimum of 7 years of cost accounting and financial reporting experience with 3 years supervisory experience. Former cost accounting experience in the manufacturing industry strongly preferred.
Expert skills in Microsoft Excel required. Experience with Microsoft Outlook, Teams and Word is essential.
Working knowledge of ERP software is required. SAP experience is strongly preferred.
Strong interpersonal, analytical and leadership skills required.
Comprehensive understanding of manufacturing variances, overhead absorption, and standard costs.
Detailed experience with inventory and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) accounts reconciliations and related accounting.
Experience with month-end closing and working in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with inventory cycle count process.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate with a variety of other functional areas including operations, material planning, and warehouse teams.

Takasago's Employee Benefits and Perks:

Takasago offers flexible work arrangements, tuition assistance, health benefits, employee discounts to various services and products, and life insurance 1.5 times your salary. When we think about employee success and financial security, we think long-term. Takasago provides robust retirement savings plans, as well as an employee assistance program. We hope you will join us and achieve professional growth and enrichment.

EEO Statement

Takasago is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law.

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