Cost Accountant

Job Overview

The Cost Accountant / Analyst supports the Plant Accounting team at ADM Abu Dhabi in day-to-day costing and financial reporting activities within a JD Edwards (JDE) environment. Reporting to the Plant Controller, this role supports standard costing, variance analysis, inventory accounting, and period-close processes while building the technical and analytical skills needed for progression within the function.

Responsibilities

• Support and help maintain standard costs across BOMs and routings within JDE, taking ownership of assigned areas under the direction of the Plant Controller.
• Support the annual cost roll process by preparing and validating cost component data.
• Help review and update labor and overhead rate schedules in line with inputs from operations and HR.
• Assist with month-end cost accounting close activities, including work order closures and WIP reconciliation in JDE.
• Support accurate cost allocation and posting of manufacturing transactions in the ERP system.
• Assist in analyzing manufacturing variances including Job Cost Variance (JCV) and Purchase Price Variance (PPV).
• Prepare variance schedules comparing standard costs to actual production costs, document findings, and present summary reports to the Plant Controller.
• Support preparation of variance and performance reports for plant management review.
• Assist with financial modeling and ad hoc analysis as directed.
• Assist in coordinating cost accounting and reporting activities to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines.
• Support compliance with GAAP and internal financial policies in all cost accounting activities.
• Perform account reconciliations and assist with balance sheet reviews and general ledger activities during period close.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation to support audit readiness.
• Serve as a focal point for internal and external audit requests, coordinating documentation and analysis as required.
• Assist in coordinating physical inventory counts and fixed asset verification processes.
• Support cycle count programs, ensuring timely posting and reconciliation within JDE.
• Help investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies in coordination with operations and supply chain teams.
• Liaise with production teams to support alignment on costing assumptions and inventory valuation.
• Contribute ideas for improvement across costing, reporting, and inventory processes.
• Support ERP system improvements related to costing and financial reporting.
• Adhere to internal controls and support the strengthening of financial governance frameworks.
• Build collaborative working relationships across operations, supply chain, and finance teams.

Skills

• Good understanding of accounting principles and GAAP.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines with guidance.
• Eagerness to learn and develop within a manufacturing finance environment.
• Solid Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and basic financial modelling.
• Exposure to JD Edwards (JDE EnterpriseOne) or another ERP system is an advantage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• CPA, CA, ICWA, or ACCA qualification is preferred.
• 2–4 years of accounting experience, ideally in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Some exposure to cost accounting, variance analysis, or inventory is preferred.

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