Director of Cost Accounting & Inventory ControlsPosition OverviewThe Director of Cost Accounting & Inventory Controls is responsible for leading all cost accounting, inventory accounting, and inventory control functions across the organization. This role partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Finance leadership to ensure accurate inventory valuation, effective cost management, strong internal controls, and timely financial reporting. The ideal candidate brings deep manufacturing accounting experience within high-volume, perishable product environments and has a proven track record of improving processes, controls, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities- Lead all cost accounting and inventory accounting activities across manufacturing operations.
- Oversee inventory valuation, standard costing, variance analysis, and month-end inventory close processes.
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of inventory balances, production costing, and financial reporting.
- Develop and maintain strong inventory control procedures and internal controls to minimize risk and improve inventory accuracy.
- Analyze manufacturing costs, labor efficiencies, yields, scrap, waste, and production variances to identify opportunities for operational improvement.
- Partner with plant leadership and operations teams to drive cost reduction initiatives and improve financial performance.
- Manage physical inventory counts, cycle count programs, inventory reconciliations, and audit support activities.
- Monitor inventory movements and ensure compliance with accounting policies and GAAP.
- Provide financial analysis and reporting related to inventory, production costs, and manufacturing performance.
- Collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Operations teams to improve inventory management and working capital performance.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes related to manufacturing and inventory.
- Lead process improvement initiatives focused on automation, reporting enhancement, and control optimization.
- Develop, mentor, and manage accounting team members responsible for inventory and cost accounting functions.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Accounting (required).
- 13+ years of progressive accounting experience with significant exposure to manufacturing environments.
- Strong expertise in cost accounting, inventory accounting, and inventory controls.
- Experience overseeing inventory valuation, costing methodologies, and variance analysis.
- Demonstrated experience partnering with plant operations, supply chain, and executive leadership.
- Strong understanding of GAAP and manufacturing accounting principles.
- Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and reporting capabilities.
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting teams.
Preferred Industry ExperienceStrong preference for candidates with experience in:- Food Processing
- Protein Manufacturing
- Perishable Food Manufacturing
- Beverage Manufacturing
- Consumer Products with Perishable Inventory
- Other high-volume manufacturing environments with inventory complexity
