ABOUT THE JOB
Duties and Responsibilities
This position is responsible for the following:
Acting as the primary engagement lead for cost accounting services, overseeing the design, execution, and continuous improvement of clients' cost accounting and manufacturing cost structures (standard costing, PPV, overhead allocation, and inventory valuation).
Managing the overall accounting operations and financial reporting for assigned clients, with primary emphasis on cost accounting and secondary responsibility over general accounting, forecasting, and analysis of financial results.
Providing leadership in interpreting and communicating cost and financial results, issues, and recommendations to client stakeholders, including operations, supply chain, and finance leadership.
Overseeing special and agreed-upon procedure engagements and review of ongoing and ad hoc management reports.
Serving as a strategic partner to clients' cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Operations, Procurement, Sales Operations) by translating ambiguous business needs into scalable accounting and operational frameworks.
Essential Job Functions
PRIMARY: COST ACCOUNTING & INVENTORY
Lead and oversee the maintenance of accurate standard cost models for multiple clients, including annual updates, revaluations, and alignment with operational changes.
Direct and review the tracking and analysis of material, labor, and overhead costs to ensure accuracy and integrity of client financial statements and management reports.
Oversee PPV analysis and other cost variance analyses; review root-cause findings from the team and present recommendations and action plans to clients.
Evaluate, design, and refine overhead allocation methodologies to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant absorption across products, cost centers, and locations.
Own or advise on inventory-related accounting policies and controls, including capitalization, overhead allocation, LCNRV and NRV assessments, rebates, freight, tariffs and duties, and inventory reserves.
Review and approve monthly cost accounting journal entries, reconciliations, and variance explanations prepared by the team; ensure timely and accurate month-end and quarter-end close for all cost-related activities.
Oversee preparation of cost accounting schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation for audits, tax, and regulatory requirements.
Lead identification and implementation of process improvements, cost-saving initiatives, and best practices tailored to each client's manufacturing and operational environment.
Provide oversight on inventory valuation (raw materials, WIP, finished goods), inventory reconciliations, and physical inventory/cycle count procedures; address discrepancies and control gaps.
Where applicable, reconcile 3PL fulfillment, distributor, and e-commerce cost flows back to the general ledger; drive resolution on cross-system variances.
Direct margin and profitability analyses at the product, customer, and segment level; translate findings into practical recommendations for pricing, product mix, and operational efficiency.
Coordinate and review budgeting and forecasting for standard costs, overhead absorption, production volumes, and cost variances; partner with FP&A and operations teams as needed.
Advise client leadership by synthesizing complex cost data into clear, actionable operational and strategic insights, including scenario analysis and "what-if" modeling.
Support clients' new product introduction (NPI) processes, engineering builds, and production ramp-ups from a cost accounting perspective.
SECONDARY: ERP SYSTEMS & PROCESS DESIGN
Serve as a subject-matter resource for ERP inventory and costing modules (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle), including configuration guidance, subledger processes, item master governance, and cost accounting workflows.
Drive ongoing enhancements related to standard costing, inventory subledger processes, and manufacturing and fulfillment transactions within client systems.
Develop scalable accounting processes, controls, and reporting infrastructure that support client growth and operational complexity.
SECONDARY: GENERAL ACCOUNTING
Oversee end-to-end general accounting and bookkeeping (monthly close, AR, AP, fixed assets, journal entries, reconciliations, payroll-related accounting) in compliance with GAAP and Firm policies.
Review the general ledger and key account reconciliations (bank, WIP, AR, AP, FA), resolving complex discrepancies with internal and client stakeholders.
Identify, review, and approve significant accruals and adjusting entries; ensure completeness and accuracy of periodic (monthly/quarterly/annual) financial reporting packages.
Establish audit-ready controls and support external audits; drive continuous improvement across close and reporting processes.
Lead engagement planning and financial management (scope, timelines, staffing, risk, budget-to-actuals, profitability), ensuring accurate time/expense tracking and alignment with relevant technical and industry developments.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Minimum Education/Experience
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
8+ years of progressive experience in Finance & Accounting, including at least 3–4 years of hands-on cost/manufacturing accounting (standard costs, PPV, overhead allocation, inventory valuation) and solid general ledger exposure – Required.
Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, particularly as it relates to inventory and manufacturing accounting (ASC 330 and related guidance).
Demonstrated ability to apply accounting and cost accounting principles to analyze, prepare, and review financial and cost information for decision-making.
Proficiency with ERP systems that support cost accounting (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle), including hands-on experience with inventory and costing modules – Required.
Significant experience within manufacturing, medical device, consumer hardware, or complex supply chain industries preferred.
Experience working with contract manufacturers and global supply chain environments is a plus.
Excellent English communication and organizational skills, with proven experience leading teams and managing multiple client engagements or complex workstreams; experience in public/outsourced accounting is a plus.
Willingness to work the night shift (1:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Tuesday to Saturday).
Technical and Other Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office – Required (particularly Excel for cost modeling, variance analysis, and reporting).
Proficiency with ERP systems that support cost accounting (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar) – Required; ability to learn, implement, and train others on accounting systems – Required.
Strong systems orientation: ability to design scalable ERP configurations, reporting processes, and finance workflows.
Experience with landed cost, tariff and duty accounting, and customs reconciliation is a plus.
Familiarity with 3PL, e-commerce, and multi-channel cost flow reconciliations is a plus.
Strong time management, organization, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills; able to manage multiple clients and deliverables simultaneously.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex cost and financial data and provide clear recommendations.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy while maintaining a high-level, strategic view of client operations and results.
Ability to work effectively in large, complex, dynamic client organizations where a high degree of ambiguity and change exists.
Ability to work autonomously and as a team leader; able to delegate effectively while maintaining oversight.
Excellent English communication skills (oral and written), including executive presence and the ability to influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional partners.
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment when handling one-off, unusual, or complex transactions and client situations.
Experience building scalable accounting processes, controls, and reporting infrastructure is preferred.
PERKS & BENEFITS
Perks and benefits would include:
Remote setup
Company-provided equipment for seamless experience
Quarterly team activities to stay connected and engaged
