Cost and Inventory Manager

Manager, Inventory & Cost AccountingPosition Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Manager of Inventory & Cost Accounting to lead cost accounting and inventory finance across a multi-facility manufacturing and distribution environment.

This role partners closely with Operations to strengthen inventory accuracy, improve cost visibility, and deliver actionable manufacturing margin insights. The position will lead the cost accounting function, mentor a Cost Accountant, and build scalable processes, reporting, and controls.

The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on-someone comfortable working with plant operations, improving processes, and diving into detailed cost analysis when needed.

Key ResponsibilitiesCost Accounting Leadership

• Lead the cost accounting function and mentor the Cost Accountant.
• Manage and continuously improve standard costing, including annual cost roll and overhead rate updates.
• Ensure accurate BOMs, routings, labor, overhead, and material cost structures.
• Analyze standard vs. actual variances and partner with Operations to address root causes.

Inventory Accounting & Controls

• Partner with Operations and Inventory Control to ensure accurate inventory reporting across facilities.
• Review and validate financial impact of cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory adjustments.
• Monitor and report on inventory accuracy, aging, scrap trends, and excess/obsolete inventory.

Manufacturing & Margin Analytics

• Deliver monthly gross margin reporting by product line, customer, and location.
• Provide insights on product profitability, cost drivers, and operational performance trends.
• Evaluate cost impacts from product design, material changes, or manufacturing process updates.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations on new product launches, costing, and process improvements.
• Support Engineering and Supply Chain with cost impact analysis for sourcing or design changes.
• Serve as Finance's primary partner to plant and operations leadership for cost and inventory matters.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Own finance responsibilities within the ERP cost and inventory modules.
• Build scalable reporting, internal controls, and dashboards (e.g., Power BI) to improve visibility and decision-making.

Financial Close

• Lead inventory and cost accounting activities during month-end close.
• Maintain inventory reserves, WIP valuation, job reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Support audits and financial reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in standard costing, inventory accounting, and manufacturing finance.
• Experience partnering directly with plant operations and supply chain teams.
• ERP experience supporting manufacturing cost accounting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate operational data into financial insights.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA or CMA preferred.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, this leader will:

• Establish reliable cost and inventory reporting processes
• Improve inventory accuracy and financial visibility
• Strengthen BOM and routing cost integrity
• Deliver consistent, actionable margin reporting
• Build a strong partnership between Finance and Operations
• Successfully mentor and develop the Cost Accountant