Transportation Accountant

Vets transportation costs associated with movement of crude/refined products from initial acquisition to delivery to end-customer.  Analyzes, communicates, and corrects system entry of transportation costs for crude/refined product acquisition through delivery.  Bridges front office budgeting and planning (Scheduling and S&O Management) to back office settlement and analysis (A/P and Financial Reporting).  Reports and analyzes transportation costs.  Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  1) Allocates laid-in transportation costs associated with movement of crude/refined products from initial acquisition to delivery to end-customer. Reviews documents such as inspection reports, pipeline statements and terminalling agreements to identify and segregate components of transportation costs such as, but not limited to:  shipping charges, terminal fees, tariffs.  Ensures charges are substantiated by appropriate documentation and reported following GAAP guidelines; 2) Provides information needed for Accounts Payable by assigning, in SAP, charges to appropriate purchase orders.  Ensures invoices are promptly and accurately coded; 3) Reconciles invoices by comparing to actual volumes transported, published tariffs, contractual terms.  Works with Scheduling (Supply & Optimization) to investigate and resolve discrepancies affecting laid-in cost of crude and refined products.  Communicates variances and resolutions to appropriate personnel; and 4) Provides Supply & Optimization management with actionable accounting analysis to effectively control transportation costs.  Conducts variance analysis; determines root cause for variances between forecasted and actual transportation expenditures.  Identifies cost drivers and recommends cost reduction opportunities.

The selected candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field or equivalent experience typically required.  Must have a minimum of 2 years cost accounting experience in transportation, logistics and/or supply chain management or equivalent combination of education and experience typically required. 

Additional requirements include: 1) Knowledge of chartering activities and terminalling agreements; 2) Understanding of tariff structures and ability to research appropriate rates; 3) Strong analytical and quantitative skills; 4) Sound understanding of GAAP and SOX control environments; 5) General understanding of shipping, pipeline and terminal industry; and 6) Ability to read and understand shipper statements, and inspection agreements.