GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTIONThe Cost & Inventory Accounting Manager is responsible for the end-to-end integrity of the Company's inventory valuation, manufacturing costing, inventory accounting, and perpetual inventory environment. This role serves as the finance owner of inventory accounting processes, costing methodologies, inventory reserves, and inventory-related ERP controls while partnering closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Commercial Finance, and IT.
This position goes beyond traditional cost accounting responsibilities. The successful candidate will act as the Company's subject matter expert (SME) for inventory valuation, standard costing, manufacturing variances, inventory reserves, subledger governance, and ASC 330 compliance. The role is expected to drive both financial accuracy and operational performance by transforming inventory and manufacturing data into actionable business insights.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITESInventory Valuation & Technical Accounting- Own inventory valuation policies and procedures in compliance with U.S. GAAP and ASC 330.
- Lead the quarterly evaluation and documentation of obsolete, slow-moving, and impaired inventory (OSMI) reserves, excess inventory reserves, inventory impairment assessments, net realizable value (NRV) analyses, lower of cost or market (LCM) analyses where applicable, & capitalized manufacturing variance reserves
- Prepare and support technical accounting positions related to inventory valuation and manufacturing accounting.
- Serve as the primary contact for internal and external auditors on inventory-related matters.
- Refine current reserve methodologies supported by operational and statistical analyses.
- Ensure inventory balances are appropriately stated and supported at each reporting period.
Standard Costing & Manufacturing Accounting- Own the annual standard cost setting process globally.
- Work with operations to support governance over: bills of material (BOMs), labor routings, standard labor rates, material costs, overhead absorption methodologies
- Analyze manufacturing variances, determine appropriate accounting treatment, and deliver actionable reporting on key cost drivers and root causes.
- Partner with manufacturing leadership to improve production efficiency and margin performance.
ERP Costing & Inventory Subledger Governance- Serve as the finance owner of inventory costing and accounting within the ERP environment.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of inventory transaction flows and associated accounting impacts.
- Ensure proper accounting treatment and G/L mapping for, purchase order receipts, inventory transfers, production issues, work-in-process (WIP) transactions, production receipts, finished goods movements
- Govern inventory-related posting logic, account mappings, and transaction controls.
- Develop and maintain robust subledger-to-general ledger reconciliation processes.
- Collaborate with IT to improve inventory system controls, reporting, and transaction visibility.
Physical Inventory & Inventory Controls- Design and oversee the company's cycle count program globally.
- Lead annual physical inventory activities and compliance programs.
- Monitor inventory accuracy across all locations and drive corrective action plans.
- Investigate root causes of inventory discrepancies and implement sustainable solutions.
- Develop controls surrounding, scrap inventory, excess inventory, product phase-outs, engineering changes, inventory write-offs and disposals
Manufacturing Order & WIP Governance- Partner with Operations to establish best practices around work order management.
- Monitor work order aging and ensure timely closure of production orders.
- Ensure accurate material consumption and production reporting through backflush and manual transaction controls.
- Identify and eliminate sources of stranded inventory and inaccurate WIP balances.
- Review production order activity for compliance with established accounting policies.
- Develop reporting that highlights risks impacting inventory valuation and manufacturing performance.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Maintains safe and productive work environment by assuring the work area is clear of tools, brooms, debris, and other items that may present a hazard.
- Will be required to perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOBRequired - Education & Certification:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification.
Required - Experience & Skills:
- 5+ years of progressive experience in cost, inventory, and/or manufacturing finance.
- Strong knowledge of, Inventory Accounting, Manufacturing Accounting, Standard Costing, Inventory Reserves, Inventory Valuation, ASC 330, U.S. GAAP
- Experience operating within a perpetual inventory environment.
- Experience supporting external audits and compliance activities.
- Advanced ERP experience within SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Infor, or similar platforms.
- Advanced analytical skills utilizing Excel, Power BI, SQL, or equivalent reporting tools.
Preferred:
- Experience in a global, multi-site manufacturing environment.
- Experience managing inventory reserves and valuation methodologies.
- Strong understanding of inventory transaction processing and ERP costing structures.
- Experience implementing process improvements and inventory control enhancements.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives involving Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and IT.
KEY COMPETENCIES- Ability to react with appropriate levels of urgency to situations and events that require quick response or turnaround.
- Exceptional organizational, project management, time management, and attention to detail capabilities.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and partner across Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering.
- Ability to deal with and manage uncertainty and change.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex cost and inventory data into clear business insight.
- Ability to complete a high volume of tasks and projects with little or no guidance.
- Demonstrates an ability to teach others how to use various systems effectively.
- Shows an ability to keep up with changing technologies and attend meetings or conferences for ongoing education.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen.
- This position may be required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to feel; reach with hand and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch as needed.
- Specific vision requirements include the ability to see at close range, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
