Inventory Associate Jobs in Manitowoc, WI (NOW HIRING)

Job Title:                         Inventory Accountant

Function:                        Finance

Reports to:                     Operations Finance Manager

Location:                        Hilbert, WI

Position Type:                Full time, Permanent

Schedule:                       8am - 5pm, Monday through Friday

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Ornua (meaning "new gold") is Ireland's largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

Ornua is a dairy co-operative that markets and sells dairy products on behalf of Ireland's dairy processors and farmers. As Ireland's largest exporter of dairy products, Ornua exports to more than 110 countries and operates 16 production facilities worldwide. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Ornua generates more than $4.3 billion in annual revenue and employs approximately 2,900 people globally.

Ornua operates through two business divisions:

• Ornua Foods - Home to iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold, Dubliner, Pilgrims Choice, Forto, and BEO.
• Ornua Ingredients - A global supplier of premium dairy ingredients serving food manufacturers and foodservice customers.

This position is part of Ornua Ingredients North America (OINA), the largest of Ornua's ingredient divisions, operating five manufacturing facilities across Wisconsin and Minnesota, supported by a world-class Innovation Center.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

The Inventory Accountant plays a critical role in ensuring inventory accuracy across all product types, directly impacting product costing, pricing decisions, and operational KPIs. This position serves as a key liaison between Finance, Operations, and Warehousing, supporting strategic decision-making and driving continuous improvement in inventory management.

With oversight on over $100M in inventory across 35 locations, this role is essential to maintaining financial integrity, operational efficiency, and supporting Ornua's growth strategy.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE

The Inventory Accountant is responsible for inventory accounting, product costing, manufacturing variance analysis, inventory reconciliations, and ERP data integrity. This role ensures inventory transactions are accurately recorded while providing analytical support that improves operational efficiency and financial performance.

Success in this position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Inventory Management & Reporting

• Perform daily work order closings and reconcile production variances as they relate to input costs such as materials, packaging, labor, and overhead.
• Investigate and report on inventory losses, overruns, rework, and waste metrics.
• Monitor inventory aging and present action plans for usage.

• Prepare and analyze weekly inventory reports and daily adjustments.
• Support physical and perpetual inventory counts across all sites.

• Prepare monthly 3PL reconciliation schedules and resolve variances.

Costing & Analytics

• Maintain and validate product costing standards and models.

• Provide insights into production variances and costing impacts.
• Reconcile inventory and production subledgers to the general ledger.
• Maintain and Develop KPI reporting on various topics including production performance, inventory accuracy, inventory aging, etc.

Systems & Data Integrity

• Maintain master data accuracy for inventory and production.
• Assist the organization with ERP system transactional issues and enhancements.
• Ensure adequate internal controls, SOP documentation, and full traceability on inventory.
• Aid in pulling data for various audit requests and reviews.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Act as a bridge between Finance, Operations, and Warehouse teams to ensure all operational activity is correctly captured in ERP system.
• Recommend process improvements to reduce inventory loss, improve inventory accuracy and production throughputs.
• Lead or support ad hoc projects and initiatives as needed.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Accounting or related field required.
• A strong eye for detail and accuracy is required.
• Advanced Excel skills are required.

     Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Highly organized with effective time management and multitasking skills.
• Detail-oriented, dependable, and responsive to internal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple locations.

Desired Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in Accounting
• CMA or CPA Certification is a plus
• Power BI experience is highly desired.
• Experience with ERP systems preferred (Microsoft Dynamics SL highly desired)
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment preferred

WHY ORNUA?

Ornua is a purpose-driven, values-led co-operative creating value for Irish dairy farming families through our global operations. With 10 business units, 16 production facilities, and in-market teams across the world, we operate through two divisions - Ornua Foods, which markets our iconic consumer brands including Kerrygold and Pilgrims Choice, and Ornua Ingredients, which provides innovative, customized dairy ingredient solutions to our customers.

• Our Values lie at the core of everything we do. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.
• We invest in our people and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Career progression opportunities, including global mobility.
• Comprehensive benefits with region-specific offerings.

TOTAL REWARDS

At Ornua Ingredients North America, our Total Rewards package goes far beyond your paycheck. From day one, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits offering that includes: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Life Insurance, Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness coverage, 401(k) with company matching and 100% immediate vesting, Generous Paid Time Off,20 weeks of Maternity Leave, Parental Leave, Annual Incentive Bonus, Career Growth and advance opportunities, and Education Reimbursement.

Would you like to make an impact? Apply today!

Ornua is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will be provided with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information.  Ornua is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact Ornua People Services at 833-450-2385 or peopleservicesus@ornua.com. 

This employer participates in E-Verify, a federal program that verifies the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. As part of the hiring process, information provided on your Form I-9 will be submitted to the E-Verify system. E-Verify compares your information to records maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.