Job DescriptionCoreFactor is searching for a Cost Accounting & Inventory Manager on a permanent/full-time basis for a client in Boonton, New Jersey, USA.
This position is hybrid and will require the successful candidate to go into the Boonton office three (3) times per week.
Position Summary
The Finance Inventory & Cost Manager is responsible for leading inventory control, cost accounting, and manufacturing finance activities for the organization's operations in North America. Based in Boonton, New Jersey, this role supports and oversees financial performance for multiple manufacturing sites, including Ontario and Québec.
Reporting directly to the Manager, Finance for North America, this role acts as a key finance business partner to operations and supply chain leadership, ensuring accurate inventory valuation, robust cost management, strong internal controls, and continuous improvement in operational and financial performance. The position also includes responsibility for managing and developing site-level finance staff as applicable.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory & Cost Management
- Own and oversee inventory accounting across all North American sites, including raw materials, WIP, finished goods, and excess & obsolete reserves.
- Maintain and enhance standard costing methodologies and perform detailed variance analysis (material, labor, overhead, usage, PPV).
- Ensure accuracy of inventory valuation within JD Edwards (JDE) and alignment with accounting policies.
- Lead cycle count programs and physical inventory processes; investigate variances and drive corrective actions.
- Partner with operations and supply chain to improve inventory accuracy, turns, and working capital efficiency.
Financial Analysis & Reporting
- Prepare and analyze monthly cost, inventory, and manufacturing performance reporting for site management, regional finance, and corporate stakeholders.
- Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes related to inventory and cost of sales.
- Provide actionable insights on product costing, margins, pricing decisions, and cost reduction initiatives.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning with a strong focus on operational cost drivers.
Operational & Business Partnership
- Serve as a trusted finance partner to operational leaders across North America.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, including lean manufacturing, sourcing optimization, and process standardization.
- Provide financial support for new product introductions, plant transfers, capital investment analysis, and productivity projects.
- Ensure consistent costing and reporting practices across U.S. and Canadian sites.
Leadership, Staff Management & Collaboration
- Manage, coach, and develop finance and/or cost accounting staff supporting operations.
- Establish clear priorities, performance expectations, and development plans for direct reports.
- Promote strong cross-functional and cross-border collaboration between finance, operations, and supply chain teams.
- Lead or participate in regional finance projects and system/process improvement initiatives.
Compliance & Controls
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX requirements, and applicable U.S. and Canadian accounting standards.
- Support internal and external audits, providing documentation and explanations related to inventory and costing.
- Identify control gaps, drive remediation efforts, and enhance financial governance across sites.
RequirementsRequired
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related discipline.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting, inventory management, or manufacturing finance.
- Proven experience managing and developing staff in a manufacturing or multi-site environment.
- Strong understanding of standard costing, inventory controls, and variance analysis.
- Hands-on experience with ERP systems, specifically JD Edwards (JDE).
- Advanced Excel and financial analysis skills.
- Ability to travel periodically to Ontario and Quebec, Canada.
Preferred
- CPA or equivalent professional designation.
- Experience supporting multi-site and cross-border (U.S./Canada) manufacturing operations.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Prior experience in industrial, electrical, or power transfer technology environments.
