Cost Accountant II

Location: Rocklin, CA or Centennial, CO

Employment Type: Exempt, Regular, Full-Time

Manager Position: No

Reports To: Accounting Manager or designee

Travel: Yes

Summary of Functions

A Cost Accountant II monitors the financial progress of a project, computes operating fixed and variable costs (variance analysis) and compares such costs to budgets. Comparing budget amounts to actual expenses is an accounting function that helps senior management adjust project costs while work is still in progress. A cost accountant typically reports periodic financial statements to the Accounting Manager and ensures that accounting procedures and systems are adequate and functional.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Embrace Forgen’s Core Values in all aspects of the job.
• Remain up to date on project values, cost (including labor and equipment hours) and schedule performance; all project deliverables, contract award and modifications, status of billed and unbilled revenues, and project forecasting.
• Maintains a complete project file, an up-to-date estimate at completion (EAC), and is prepared to answer questions on the project status.
• Maintain project files to include original as-bid budget, EAC, Statement of Work (SOW’s), project closeout documentation, etc.
• Ensure project labor setup is correctly coordinated with contracts, accounting, and human resources as necessary as well as communicating to the executing Project Team the pertinent project information.
• On-going review of project information for completeness as well as ensuring project deliverables are completed on a weekly schedule.
• Monitor contract cost performance, address notification of funding limitations.
• Remain knowledgeable of and tracking Open AR and Unbilled Amounts for project, monitoring status of accounts receivables and being proactive to resolve problems.
• Analyze and interpret complex cost data to support strategic decision-making.
• Develop and implement cost control processes and cost reduction initiatives.
• Help lead the preparation of cost reports, budgets, and financial forecasts.
• Perform in-depth cost variance analysis and provide actionable insights.
• Collaborate with department heads to optimize cost allocation methods.
• Lead month-end and year-end closing activities related to cost accounting.
• Conduct detailed inventory valuations and reconcile discrepancies.
• Mentor and train junior cost accountants within the team.
• Providing invoice support as necessary.
• Perform additional assignments as directed.

Experience/Education

• BS in Business Administration (in related field) or equivalent experience.
• Two to four years of Cost Accounting experience.
• One plus years of experience with a Government Contractor preferred.
• Performing various financial analysis such as reconciliations and variance analysis.
• Business Nav experience a plus.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive on behalf of company business.
• Company will provide additional training, as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Be able to distinguish accounting requirements per contract and per contract type – FFP, T&M, CPFF.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear and straightforward manner.
• Detail oriented with the ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and take on new responsibilities in a high-volume environment.
• Skills in coordinating schedules, leading meetings, updating and distributing meeting materials, and identifying and tracking action items.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interpret and explain complex data.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems while working under pressure.
• Ability to show judgment and initiative and to accomplish job duties in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of management and company personnel.
• Ability to prioritize and organize effectively.
• Demonstrated Analytical skills.
• Demonstrated Project Management skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of business actions necessary for processing travel requests and invoices.
• Ability and willingness to personally document and distribute weekly status reports on time, all the time.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external customers.
• Proficiency in all MS office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook). Must be strong in advanced Excel.

Physical Demands

The following physical activities or abilities are commonly, but not always, associated with the performance of this position.  The actual requirements of this position will vary.

• Ability to communicate effectively with vendors, management, and other co-workers, both individually and in front of a group is important.
• Regular use of the telephone and email for communication is also essential.
• Sitting for extended period is common.
• No heavy lifting is expected. Exertion of up to 25 pounds of force occasionally may be required.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computers, calculator, copiers, and fax machines.
• Good reasoning ability and decision-making is important.
• Able to understand and utilize management reports, memos, and other documents to conduct business.

Primarily an office position. Occasional site visits and field project visits may be required. Travel to offices and projects in various locations around the country as needed. The following physical activities or abilities are commonly, but not always, associated with site visits. 

• Be able to stand or walk on a project site for extended durations.
• When on project sites or if performing some types of work activity wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, earplugs, protective eyewear, gloves, hard hat, steel toed work boots, and high visibility safety apparel.

Work Environment

The job is primarily performed indoors in a traditional office setting and occasionally outdoors at construction sites.

The following environmental/atmospheric working conditions are commonly, but not always, associated with the performance of this position. The actual working conditions will vary.

• Job Site environment, including, but not limited to, machines, tools, heavy equipment, chemicals, solvents, dust and fumes.
• Occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions.
• Uneven ground.

Perks and Benefits

Forgen offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement plan, employer paid short-term disability, accident insurance, and more. We also reward our employees’ hard work with bonuses, vacation, and paid holidays. We believe in a flexible work environment work model for most non-craft positions. As an added bonus, we also offer an awards program, education assistance program, and a robust wellness program.

DEI Statement

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Forgen, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles here at Forgen, and Forgen is committed to hiring the best candidates for all positions.