Plant AccountantSUMMARY:As the company continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking our first Plant Accountant to join the Hastings team. This 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 in Jacksonville, 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.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Cost Accounting & Financial AnalysisPrepare and maintain reconciliations for all inventory-related accountsMonitor daily production and analyze standard vs. actual cost variancesPrepare bill of materials and evaluate costing accuracy of production runsManage and prepare monthly close, journal entries, and financial statementsProcess raw consumption reports and assist with P&L analysisDevelop management reports with focus on system accuracy and data presentationInventory & Audit ControlCoordinate and support annual physical inventory countsCollaborate with operations to implement inventory control proceduresIdentify and resolve discrepancies between operational practices and financial recordsReconcile Great Plains (GP), Korber, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)Ensure proper execution of inventory transactions and variance resolutionOperational Support & System ImplementationAct as a key liaison between the Hastings plant and Jacksonville's accounting teamProvide ongoing support for capital projects and cross-functional initiativesPartner through the ERP system transition from Korber/GP to RF Smart and NetSuiteSchedule and process daily inventory transactions and work order paperworkAdministrative & Cross-Functional TasksSupport the Accounts Payable process in PaperSaveAssist with logistics/shipping and ensure order accuracy (pick tickets, freight coordination)Work closely with the plant team on data entry, reporting, and administrative tasksSupervise and support the inventory office clerk roleREQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Accounting (preferred) or equivalent experience (2-4 years)Prior experience in a manufacturing environment strongly preferredExperience with Great Plains, WMS, NetSuite, or RF Smart a strong plusTechnical SkillsStrong cost accounting and inventory management skillsAdvanced Microsoft Excel knowledge (including complex formulas)Experience with ERP/WMS systems and data reconciliationSoft SkillsExcellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skillsStrong work ethic with attention to detail and accuracyAbility to work independently and as part of a teamHigh level of organization, time management, and adaptabilityAbility to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environmentPHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:May lift up to 50 lbs; ability to stand, bend, reach, twist, and climb stairsWork includes time in refrigerated areas (35-45°F)Fast-paced environment; ability to manage stress and competing prioritiesMust be able to wear required PPESCHEDULE:Full-time position, Monday-Friday with occasional SaturdaysTypical schedule is 8-hour shifts with minimal overtimeNo travel requiredCOMPANY 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.