Cost Accountant

Q Microwave, a leader in the precision RF manufacturing, design and manufacture of cutting-edge military and defense microwave solutions, is seeking a Cost Accountant to join our entrepreneurial, collaborative, and fast-paced team located in El Cajon, CA. Q Microwave is recognized for its advanced capabilities in RF filtering and custom RF subassemblies-technologies that require deep technical knowledge and a passion for precision. Our fully vertically integrated facility in San Diego enables close collaboration between design and manufacturing, ensuring unmatched quality and performance in RF product development. As a part of Amphenol's global network of over 130 business units, Q Microwave operates with the technical focus and agility of a specialized design center while leveraging the strength, stability, and resources of one of the world's largest interconnect solution providers

The Cost Accountant is responsible for accurate costing, inventory valuation, product margin analysis, and month-end cost close activities. This role partners with operations, procurement, and supply chain to ensure cost controls, continuous improvement of costing processes, and timely, auditable financial information that supports business decision-making. (Senior level adds responsibility for complex analyses, mentoring junior staff, and leading process improvement projects across multiple sites.)

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform monthly cost accounting close: standard cost updates, variance analysis, inventory reconciliations, and cost of goods sold (COGS) reporting.
• Maintain and update standard costs, bill of materials (BOM) and routings in the ERP system; validate costing roll-ups and effective date changes.
• Analyze labor, material, and overhead variances; investigate root causes and recommend corrective actions to operations and procurement.
• Prepare monthly inventory valuation and aging, conduct perpetual inventory reconciliations, and support physical inventory/cycle count activities.
• Support product margin and profitability analysis; provide cost inputs for pricing decisions and new product introductions.
• Ensure cost accounting policies, controls, and documentation comply with corporate accounting standards and audit requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive cost reductions, process improvements, and implementation of costing best practices.
• Prepare and present cost-related metrics and insights to plant leadership and finance management.
• Support internal and external audits with clear documentation and timely responses.
• (Senior only) Lead cost improvement projects, mentor staff accountants, and coordinate costing across multiple business units or global sites.
• Responsible for performing all tasks in a safe and efficient manner complying with all local, state, and federal safety and health regulations, and special safety concerns.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 2-5 years cost accounting or manufacturing accounting experience (Staff level)

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong Excel skills; experience with ERP costing modules (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, or similar) preferred.
• Solid understanding of standard costing, job costing, BOMs, overhead allocation, inventory valuation (FIFO/LIFO/weighted), and GAAP inventory rules.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; proven ability to partner with operations.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to meet month-end deadlines.

Certifications:

• Experience in a high-mix manufacturing environment or electronic/mechanical components industry.
• Familiarity with Lean/continuous improvement principles and cost-reduction methodologies.
• Experience with data visualization / BI tools (Power BI, Tableau).

Other Requirements:

• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Legal Resident.

Working Conditions:

• Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 25-50 lbs of test equipment with assistance.

• Work Environment:

• Fast-paced production environment with a focus on quality control and attention to detail.

• Collaborative team setting with frequent interactions with engineers and other technicians.