Cost Controller - Manufacturing

About the role

Ranpak, a manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions founded in 1972, is looking for a Cost Controller to join its EMEA Finance controlling team. The role turns manufacturing data into clear insights on production costs, inventory and financial performance, focusing on cost accounting, variance analysis and accurate inventory valuation. You report directly to the Cost Controller and work closely with the Czech team, Operations and Finance colleagues, with regular contact with the EMEA headquarters in the Netherlands and the corporate headquarters in the US.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the month-end manufacturing cost accounting close and coordinate, analyse and report financial data from manufacturing operations.
• Calculate, enter and post general ledger transactions in SAP, review automated postings and complete manual ones where required.
• Prepare standard-versus-actual cost reports, investigate variance drivers and work with Operations to resolve issues and reduce variances.
• Develop standards for material, labour and overhead costs with the Plant Controller and Operations, prepare the annual standard cost roll-up and support budgeting and forecasting.
• Perform inventory valuations, support inventory counts and reconcile inventory and other assigned balance sheet accounts.
• Analyse bills of material and production routings and take ownership of SAP Finance inventory master data.
• Support internal and external audits and SOX requirements through accurate records, clear documentation and effective financial controls.
• Build working relationships across manufacturing, explain financial findings and challenge decisions respectfully when they do not meet financial rules.
• Contribute to regional and global Finance projects and ad hoc analyses.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Accounting or Finance.
• Around five years of relevant experience in controlling or cost accounting; Financial Controllers, Site Controllers and Business Controllers with manufacturing cost experience are also welcome.
• Full professional proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of cost accounting, bills of material and inventory analysis; experience with manufacturing month-end closing is preferred; knowledge of US GAAP is a plus.
• Strong organisational skills, a structured approach to documentation and the ability to manage competing deadlines in a SOX-controlled environment.
• Driving licence and willingness to travel at short notice, mainly within Europe, about one to four times per year.
• Flexibility to work beyond standard office hours, including occasional meetings with US colleagues outside local hours.

Required skills

• Hands-on SAP experience (essential)
• Very good Excel skills and the ability to analyse large datasets
• Attention to detail, clear communication and independent judgement

What we offer

• A full-time cost controlling role in an international manufacturing business focused on sustainable packaging.
• A structured internal training and onboarding programme.
• Close collaboration with Finance and Operations colleagues across regions, with exposure to regional and global projects.

To apply, send your CV or contact the recruiter named in the advert to discuss the role; the process starts with a screening conversation, followed by interviews with the Finance team and a closing conversation with Finance leadership for shortlisted candidates.