Plant Accountant

About the OrganisationOur client is a well-established, large Australian manufacturing group with a significant manufacturing footprint across Australia.Following a major acquisition and continued growth, the organisation continues to invest in its manufacturing operations and strengthen the level of commercial insight provided to operational leaders.As part of this continued growth, the business is seeking an experienced Plant Accountant / Cost Accountant to be embedded directly within a growing Queensland manufacturing operation.This is a five-day onsite position suited to someone who enjoys being close to manufacturing and understanding what is happening on the factory floor.About the RoleReporting to the Financial Controller, this is a highly visible, site-based finance role supporting the Queensland manufacturing operation.Combining hands-on cost accounting with operational business partnering, you will work closely with the State Manager, Manufacturing Managers and operational leaders to analyse plant performance, investigate variances and provide meaningful financial insight.The site's P&L and core reporting processes are well established; however, there is significant opportunity to improve analysis, strengthen performance monitoring and identify opportunities around cost reduction, labour efficiency and manufacturing performance.What You'll Be DoingManage cost accounting activities for the manufacturing operationAnalyse plant performance and profitabilityInvestigate labour, material and manufacturing variancesMaintain and analyse Bills of Materials (BOMs)Monitor inventory, stock movements and inventory valuationSupport weighted average costing processesDevelop factory and operational reportingSupport budgeting, forecasting and plant P&L analysisAnalyse labour efficiency and manufacturing cost driversPartner with site and manufacturing leadershipIdentify cost reduction and performance improvement opportunitiesImprove financial controls and visibility across the operationWhat Experience You'll NeedYou will likely be a CA or CPA qualified Accountant with experience gained within a manufacturing, industrial, distribution or inventory-intensive environment.You will possess strong cost accounting capability and, equally importantly, the ability to engage with operational stakeholders and translate financial information into meaningful commercial insight.Experience across inventory, BOMs, manufacturing costing and variance analysis will be highly regarded.Strong Excel skills are essential. Exposure to ERP and manufacturing systems will also be advantageous.Most importantly, you will be hands-on, commercially minded and genuinely interested in understanding how a manufacturing operation performs.What's In It For YouThis is an opportunity to be embedded within a growing manufacturing site and independently take ownership of its finance support.You will work directly with operational leadership, improve costing and reporting processes and contribute to initiatives that directly impact plant performance.The role offers an attractive salary together with the opportunity to join a large and successful Australian manufacturing group at an important stage of growth.