Manager, Cost Accounting

About Us:

Join Hartz, where our love for pets drives everything we do. With over 95 years of commitment to pet care excellence, we are a trusted household name across the United States.  Innovation is at the heart of our mission as we continuously strive to provide products that nurture the special bond between pets and their owners, ensuring they experience nothing but Unconditional Love.

As leaders in the pet care industry, we are dedicated to pioneering advancements that enhance the well-being of pets, leading to happier, healthier, and longer lives.  Our success is fueled by the passion and dedication of our diverse team members, who bring their unique perspectives and talents to every aspect of our work.

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment where individuals from all backgrounds and identities are valued and empowered to thrive.  At Hartz, your contributions matter, whether collaborating in the office or embracing the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement. Together, we empower our employees and furry companions to make a meaningful impact within our company and beyond.  Join us in shaping the future of pet care and experience the joy of making a difference, one pet at a time. 

What We Offer …

• Hybrid Work Schedule: Enjoy flexibility with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote.
• Pet-Friendly Culture: Bring your pet to work and enjoy a casual, inclusive environment.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Receive a generous 401(k) match with immediate vesting.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy up to 34 paid days off annually, plus additional paid leaves.
• Paid Parental Leave & Insurance: Company-paid parental leave, along with Life & Disability Insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Healthcare FSA, and Mental Health Assistance program (EAP).
• Tuition Reimbursement & Career Growth: Access to tuition reimbursement and other learning and development opportunities.
• Employee Perks: Volunteer opportunities, fun employee events, and more!

The Role …

We are seeking an accomplished Manager of Cost Accounting with a strong background in full-cycle supply chain management, with an emphasis on manufacturing, to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and maintaining the standard cost system, ensuring accurate manufacturing accounting and analysis, and providing detailed variance reporting. You will lead and manage a team, optimize processes, and ensure that our systems support effective cost management across the organization. Your expertise will be critical in driving cost efficiency and supporting strategic decision-making within our manufacturing operations.

Essential to this role is demonstrated expertise in financial modeling and analysis, coupled with excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of improving, automating, and streamlining procedures to consistently meet corporate financial objectives. 

This position is located at our Secaucus, NJ office, and has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule.

Your Responsibilities …

• Manage the monthly manufacturing close process, including ensuring all costs incurred are properly recorded, preparing/reviewing journal entries, account balance reconciliations and report preparation
• Collect and analyze data about plant operational costs on monthly basis
• Prepare monthly manufacturing analysis reports, and oversee supply chain initiatives
• Lead monthly manufacturing and supply chain meetings with operations teams and leadership to support the growth of the business and share key cost findings
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of both manufactured and non-manufactured items to support accurate cost accounting and decision-making
• Manage preparation of annual cost-of-sales budgets and lead annual standard cost roll
• Create and maintain standard product costing
• Review cost estimates of new products for establishing selling prices
• Work cross functionally with other departments on key operational projects and cost accounting requirements
• Manage annual audit process as it relates to cost of sales, manufacturing operation and inventory by working directly with the auditors to answer queries and provide analysis as required in a timely manner
• Assist with compilation of certain information for preparation of tax returns
• Prepare commentary for cost-of-sales variances to budget

You’ll Need …

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting with 7+ years’ accounting experience, with 3+ years managing manufacturing cost accounting in expanding companies with a strong background in full-cycle supply chain management; CPA, CMA and/or MBA preferred
• Supply Chain Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the supply chain for manufactured and non-manufactured items
• Financial Modeling and Analysis Skills: Expert financial modeling and analysis skills
• Managerial Reporting: Experience preparing management reports and providing analytical support to senior leadership
• System Proficiency: Experience working with an ERP system (Oracle ERP preferred)
• Software Experience: Experience working with Business Performance Management system (IBM COGNOS TM1 preferred)
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and advanced Excel skills
• Leadership Experience: Experience managing and developing accounting personnel
• Business Travel: Willingness and ability to travel domestically a few times a year