Cost Accounting Advisor

What Financial Planning & Analysis contributes to Cardinal Health Finance oversees the accounting, tax, financial plans and policies of the organization, establishes and maintains fiscal controls, prepares and interprets financial reports, oversees financial systems, and safeguards the organization’s assets. Cost Accounting provides financial analysis and support to manufacturing and supply chain operations, ensuring accurate product costing, inventory valuation, financial controls, and visibility into manufacturing performance. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and other Finance teams to provide actionable insights that support business decisions and drive operational and financial performance.

Ensure the proper application of internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures related to cost accounting and inventory management. Prepare detailed inventory reconciliations by comparing perpetual inventory records against General Ledger inventory accounts, investigate variances, and ensure accurate inventory balances. Analyze manufacturing variances by cost element, including labor, burden/overhead, materials, and manufacturing support. Analyze production volumes, trends, capacity utilization, and their impact on absorption and manufacturing costs. Maintain, analyze, and support standard product costs, including annual standard cost updates and cost roll activities. Prepare standard cost projections for new products, product transfers, and products under development. Participate in month-end and year-end closing activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, financial analysis, and reporting. Prepare and analyze operating expenses versus budget and forecast, identifying significant variances and providing explanations and recommendations. Prepare financial forecasts for the site as required and support the annual budgeting process. Prepare and submit financial and operational reports reflecting plant performance and key business results. Support the preparation, monitoring, and analysis of key financial and operational indicators (KPIs). Participate in annual physical inventory counts, cycle counts, and other inventory-related activities required by the site. Investigate inventory discrepancies, obsolete and excess inventory, scrap, purchase price variances, and other cost-related issues as applicable. Validate cost-saving and expense-reduction projects and evaluate their financial impact. Provide financial guidance and analytical support to Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and site leadership. Serve as a key Finance point of contact for manufacturing and operational teams at the site. Support internal and external audit requirements by preparing documentation, reconciliations, and financial support as needed. Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and applicable accounting standards. Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency. Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives using DMAIC and other process-improvement methodologies. Provide guidance and technical support to team members and may mentor less-experienced colleagues. Perform ad hoc financial analyses and support special projects as required. Comply with all applicable safety, environmental, and company requirements.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting. Advanced degree or relevant professional certification preferred. 4–8 years of relevant experience in Cost Accounting, Manufacturing Finance, Financial Analysis, Inventory Accounting, or a related area. Experience working in a manufacturing environment strongly preferred. Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, standard costing, inventory accounting, manufacturing variances, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Experience with month-end closing, account reconciliations, journal entries, and General