Covington, GA

Ascend Element is revolutionizing the production of lithium-ion battery materials by establishing a clean and sustainable supply chain using recycled feedstock. Its patented Hydro-to-Cathode™ technology directly synthesizes new cathode materials from spent lithium-ion cells more efficiently than traditional methods, resulting in reduced cost, improved performance, and lowered GHG emissions. The results are lower cost, better performance batteries with fewer discarded in landfill, a cleaner manufacturing process, and a truly sustainable closed-loop circular battery economy. Ascend Elements is taking the lithium-ion battery industry to a higher level.

Ascend Elements is currently experiencing growth and therefore is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Plant Cost Accountant to join our team at our Covington manufacturing facility. The Senior Plant Cost Accountant will play a critical role in overseeing all financial activities at the plant level, providing valuable insights to drive business performance, and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures. The role reports to the Corporate Controller and collaborates with and supports the Covington Plant Leadership team. This position is on-site at our Covington, GA, office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting for the Covington facility.


• Perform the monthly closing activities for the Covington facility, including the preparation of monthly journal entries and collaboration with the corporate accounting and financial planning and analysis teams to provide accurate and timely financial data and support ad-hoc reporting requests.


• Responsible for the accuracy of the standard costs starting with the bill of materials and item costs, labor routings, labor rates, as well as overhead assignments.


• Develop and maintain standard costs and prepare variance analysis reports for inventory, manufacturing costs, and standard cost variances.


• Analyzes and models changes in product design, raw materials, overhead, manufacturing methods, etc., for effects on production costs.


• Analyze and report manufacturing efficiency variances and determine corrective action requirements. Ensures items are correctly classified and all reporting is prepared in accordance with GAAP.


• Responsible for estimating, tracking, and reporting costs associated with new product development and contract manufacturing partners.


• Proactive analysis of plant performance metrics and variances (budget/forecast vs. actuals) and communication of issues and opportunities to operations management.


• Develops additional metrics and tracking system for major cost drivers.


• Communicate/educate internal and external stakeholders regarding the cost data.


• Partner with Plant Manager to develop and implement strategies to optimize operational efficiency and profitability.


• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting standards, and regulatory requirements.


• Provides independent oversight of inventory management to ensure accurate physical levels and alignment with the accounting systems and reported amounts.


• Work with manufacturing and logistics teams to conduct cycle counts and year-end physical inventory.


• May perform other duties as required.

Ideal Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA, CMA, or advance degree preferred.


• Minimum of five years of experience in a similar role within the manufacturing industry, experience in a start-up company and/or in the chemical sector is highly desirable.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems, experience with SAP (Cloud4/Hana) required.


• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles and experience with manufacturing cost analysis.


• Results oriented focused, excellence in execution approach.


• Proven track record of driving process improvements and implementing best practices in financial management and cost accounting.


• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insights.


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams.


• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.


• Ability to prioritize and work independently on a variety of assignments with minimal supervision.


• Ability to accurately determine deadlines.


• Commutable distance within the Covington/Atlanta area (5 days / week in office)

Ascend Elements is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.