Position Summary:The Costing & Inventory Lead will serve as the key point of contact for all inventory-related financial activities, ensuring accuracy in product costing, compliance with corporate policies, and transparent reporting. This role is responsible for reviewing bills of material (BOMs), monitoring product costs, and preparing inventory roll-forward reports. The position will also conduct detailed cost analysis, provide explanations for variances, and partner with Operations to strengthen both inventory control and financial accuracy.
Key Responsibilities:
Inventory & Cost Accounting
- Review and validate bills of material (BOMs) for accuracy of raw materials, packaging, and routing costs
- Maintain and reconcile monthly inventory roll-forward schedules across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods
- Ensure accurate cost accounting by tracking purchase price variances, usage variances, and yield losses
- Monitor and report on inventory adjustments, obsolescence, and shrinkage
Month-End Close & Reporting
- Prepare and post journal entries for inventory-related transactions, reserves, and accruals
- Perform detailed month-to-month cost analysis, explaining variances in inventory balances and COGS
- Partner with the Operations Finance team to reconcile standard vs. actual costs and ensure accuracy of financial statements
Business Partnering & Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate with Operations and Supply Chain teams to strengthen inventory controls and cycle count accuracy
- Support process improvements to streamline BOM management, costing, and reporting workflows
- Provide actionable insights to leadership to improve working capital, reduce write-offs, and optimize inventory levels
- Partner with Finance leadership to support budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization initiatives tied to inventory and supply chain performance
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 4–6 years of progressive finance or accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment
- Prior exposure to cost accounting, inventory accounting, and BOM review
- Experience with ERP systems (Business Central, SAP, Great Plains/Vicinity, etc.)
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Solid foundation in US GAAP and inventory accounting practices
- Ability to prepare, review, and interpret inventory roll-forward schedules and cost variance analyses
- Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance teams
- Skilled in identifying drivers of inventory gains/losses, usage, and yield variances
- Advanced proficiency in Excel; experience with ERP reporting tools a plus
- Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain financial insights to both finance and non-finance stakeholders
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment