Cost Accountant

Job Specification Sheet – Cost Accountant (Food Processing / FMCG)

1. Job Purpose:

To ensure accurate product costing, monitor material usage, analyze production efficiency, and support management with reliable cost data for pricing, profitability, and strategic decisions in the food processing business (spices, breakfast cereals, instant mixes).

6. Key Competencies (Behavioral & Functional):

Functional:

• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
  
• Process-driven mindset with attention to accuracy.
  
• Ability to identify cost leakages and improvement areas.
  

Behavioral:

• Team player with cross-functional coordination ability.
  
• Proactive and deadline-oriented.
  
• Clear communicator with a structured reporting style.
  

7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

KPI Area

Performance Indicator

Measurement / Target

Cost Sheet Accuracy

Timely and accurate preparation of SKU-wise cost sheets

100% accuracy within defined timelines

Variance Analysis

Monthly standard vs. actual variance reporting

<5% unexplained variance

Material Usage Efficiency

Monitoring and controlling RM/PM consumption

Reduction in wastage by defined % YoY

Yield & Shrinkage Control

Analysis and tracking of yield data

Improvement in yield ratio vs. prior quarter

Reporting & MIS Timeliness

Submission of monthly cost MIS reports

Within 5th working day of next month

Cross-Functional Support

Responsiveness and collaboration with production, QA, and procurement

Positive feedback / task closure rate

8. Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To: Accounts Head
  
• Internal Coordination: Production, QA/QC, Procurement, Supply Chain
  
• External Coordination: Auditors, ERP Support, Vendors (as required)
  

9. Career Progression Path:

• Next Level: Sr. Cost Accountant / Assistant Manager – Costing
  
• Long-Term Growth: Finance Manager / Plant Controller
  

10. Work Environment:

• Based at Pagariya Food Products Pvt. Ltd., Harohalli Plant
  
• Requires coordination between finance and production teams.
  
• May involve extended hours during monthly closings or audits.
  

2. Key Deliverables / Responsibilities:

• Prepare and update SKU-wise product cost sheets (RM, PM, labour, overheads).
  
• Track and analyze material consumption vs. standard norms.
  
• Conduct batch-level and recipe costing for production runs.
  
• Monitor wastage, yield, and shrinkage across processing stages.
  
• Perform standard vs. actual cost variance analysis and recommend corrective measures.
  
• Support product pricing, margin analysis, and profitability tracking.
  
• Work with Production, QA, Procurement, and Supply Chain for process and cost optimization.
  
• Prepare and present costing MIS reports to management on a periodic basis.
  

3. Educational Qualification:

• / MBA (Finance) or CMA / CA Inter (Preferred)
  
• Additional certifications in cost management or ERP systems will be an advantage.
  

4. Professional Experience:

• 2–5 years of experience in cost accounting, manufacturing finance, or cost control.
  
• Prior exposure to food processing / FMCG / manufacturing industry preferred.
  
• Experience handling BOM analysis, yield tracking, and high-SKU costing environments.
  

5. Technical Skills:

• Advanced Excel Skills – Pivot tables, formulas, VLOOKUP, macros.
  
• ERP Systems – SAP / Tally / Oracle (manufacturing costing module).
  
• Knowledge of inventory valuation, BOM structure, and variance reporting.
  
• Understanding of FSSAI and HACCP standards and their cost implications.