About Us:

Balfour & Co. is one of the world's largest Collegiate and High School commencement services companies, leading the industry in digital product innovation by helping students and their families celebrate the most meaningful moments in their lives. Operating under Balfour®, GradImages®, University Photo®, Gaspard®, ArtCarved®, KeepSake® and Taylor Publishing Company®, the Company provides personalized products such as class jewelry and apparel, yearbooks and commercial printing, graduation cap and gowns, announcement products and photography through digital marketing technology, personal in-school deliveries, and customized school assortments. The Company operates throughout North America with around 5,000 team members. From our start in 1913 to today, the Company has grown and evolved in many ways but the quality of our products and our commitment to our people have been at the highest standards throughout this long history.

Position Summary: This position will be the primary Cost Accountant for the consolidated group with the primary responsibility to properly account for and reconcile inventory. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Periodic analysis of product shipment associated with sales value and the recording of proper cost of sales amounts which includes analysis by product line, major customer, etc.
• Analysis and explanation of the monthly gross margin results.
• Analysis and reconciliation of book perpetual inventory levels. Perform reconciliation of the general ledger accounts assigned.
• Ensure that adjusting journal entries are prepared and posted as needed. Review inventory accounts monthly for inconsistencies and potential errors.
• Determine and record an accurate and complete inventory valuation. Assist in the preparation/entry of month-end journal entries and assigned balance sheet reconciliations for the general and cost accounting areas.
• Development of procedures for accurate recording of inventory transactions. Develop cost standards for material and labor
• Determine absorption rates for fixed and variable costs for all plant locations.
• Schedule, organize and conduct physical inventories at all plant locations. Ensure that proper audit procedures are followed in all aspects of the inventory.
• Assist in the development of the annual capital plan. Analyze individual capital fund requests.
• Coordinate quarterly capital asset reviews to verify accuracy of fixed asset list. Coordinate with operations the completion of a new asset installation, authorize the capitalization, and move from CIP to fixed assets.
• Provide information for management on financial statement and operating budget analysis. Prepare month-end reports as assigned for internal financial reporting distribution.
• Receive and resolve inquiries on revenue, costs of sales, operating expenses, and inventory from internal department managers in a prompt and thorough manner.
• Assist in preparing the budget policy and practices. Prepare cost accounting and inventory requirements and coordinate all spending costs as part of the annual budgeting process. Organize and prepare the analysis of pricing and costing arrangements to appraise operating results in terms of profitability and performance against budget.
• Assist in preparing financial forecasts and business analyses.
• Assist in ensuring adequate controls are in place at all facilities to protect the company's assets.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in finance/accounting or related is required.
• Intermediate Excel skills.
• Minimum 5-years cost accounting experience in consumer products manufacturing environment, including standard cost, physical, inventory, gross margin reporting and budgeting.
• Experience with GP Dynamics required.
• Experience with BAAN, JDE or other ERP required; AS400 experience a plus.