Manager, Cost Accounting

Element Science

$140K — $150K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • 3-7 years of progressive accounting experience with at least 3 years in cost accounting in manufacturing.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and standard costing concepts.
  • Experience in medical device or regulated manufacturing environments is preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Ability to thrive in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Lead all inventory and cost accounting activities, including valuation and variance analysis.
  • Manage inventory accounting tasks, including capitalization and amortization.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the company's manufacturing processes.
  • Lead month-end close activities for inventory and cost accounting.
  • Analyze variances and trends in manufacturing and inventory to provide insights.
  • Oversee the annual standard cost update and maintain product costing accuracy.
  • Collaborate with multiple departments to improve costing processes and controls.
  • Prepare and present cost accounting analyses to aid business decisions.

Benefits

  • Stock Options
  • 90% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company-paid Basic Life Insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan options
  • Competitive Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program through PEO
Full Job Description
SUMMARY OF ROLE:

Element Science is seeking a Cost Accounting Manager to lead our inventory and cost accounting function. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate inventory valuation, cost accounting, and financial reporting while partnering closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, and FP&A. The ideal candidate brings strong technical accounting knowledge, hands-on manufacturing cost accounting experience, and the ability to build scalable processes in a fast-growing medical device environment.

At Element Science, you'll join a collaborative team focused on advancing life-saving technology that improves patient outcomes. We are looking for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, partnering across functions, and helping build best-in-class finance processes as the company continues to grow.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead all inventory and cost accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, variance analysis, and cost of goods sold.
  • Manage inventory accounting, including capitalization, amortization, inventory reserves, and asset tracking.
  • Develop a strong understanding of the Company's manufacturing operations, including raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, contract manufacturing, and distribution.
  • Lead the month-end close for inventory and cost accounting, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
  • Analyze manufacturing variances, inventory movements, absorption, purchase price variances, and gross margin trends, providing meaningful insights to management.
  • Lead the annual standard cost update and maintain accurate product costing throughout the year.
  • Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Engineering, and FP&A to improve costing processes, inventory controls, and operational decision-making.
  • Prepare and present cost accounting analyses and reporting to senior leadership to support business decisions.
  • Maintain and enhance cost accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
  • Coordinate physical inventory counts and cycle count programs, ensuring inventory accuracy and compliance with company policies.
  • Support external audits related to inventory, manufacturing, and cost accounting.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • 3-7 years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years of cost accounting within a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, inventory accounting, and standard costing.
  • Experience with medical device, life sciences, or other regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple functions and levels of the organization.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment and adapt to changing business priorities.

BENEFITS:

Element Science offers a very competitive salary and benefits package including, but not limited to:
  • Stock Options
  • 90% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company-paid Basic Life Insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan (Traditional and Roth)
  • Competitive Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
  • FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts)
  • HSA (Health Savings Account)
  • Employee Assistance Program through PEO

The salary for this exempt-level position will be based on experience and qualifications within an established pay range.
  • Pay range: $140K - $150K

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