Cost Accounting Manager

Jobtailor; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor seeks a senior cost accounting leader to own inventory and cost reporting under US GAAP. You will drive monthly closes, review journal entries, and collaborate across finance and operations to improve accuracy and efficiency.

You will lead standard costing, variances, and E&O reserves, partnering with manufacturing to enhance data quality and decision support. Strong Excel and Oracle ERP experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; MBA, CMA, or CPA preferred.
• 7+ years in cost accounting, inventory accounting, or manufacturing finance.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP, standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Experience with physical inventories, E&O reserves, and SOX controls.
• Advanced Excel and ERP experience; Oracle preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own cost accounting and inventory reporting for the Stores Group under US GAAP.
• Support monthly/quarterly close with cost journal entries and reconciliations.
• Analyze variances and partner with operations to identify root causes.
• Manage standard cost data and annual cost-setting processes.
• Lead E&O inventory analyses and reserve calculations.
• Collaborate with supply chain, operations, and manufacturing teams.
• Support physical and cycle counts and SOX-compliant controls.
• Develop cost/inventory reporting, dashboards, and analytics.
• Serve as finance contact for cost accounting and inventory topics.

Skills

Cost accounting

Inventory accounting

GAAP

Variance analysis

Data analysis

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Financial reporting

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA

CMA/CPA

Tools

Oracle ERP

Job description

Responsibilities

• Own inventory and cost accounting activities for the Stores Group, ensuring accurate and timely reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Support monthly and quarterly close by preparing and reviewing cost-related journal entries, inventory reserves, reconciliations, and flux analysis.
• Analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead) and partner with operations to identify root causes and improvement opportunities.
• Manage and maintain standard cost data, supporting leading the annual standard cost-setting process, including material pricing, labor, and overhead cost pools.
• Lead Excess & Obsolete (E&O) inventory analysis and reserve calculations, driving enhanced visibility into inventory risk and aging.
• Partner with supply chain, operations, and manufacturing teams to improve inventory accuracy, cost transparency, and process efficiency.
• Support lead physical inventory counts and cycle counts, ensuring compliance with internal controls and SOX requirements.
• Develop and enhance cost and inventory reporting, dashboards, and analytics to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Serve as a primary finance contact for cost accounting and inventory topics for internal stakeholders and auditors.
• Liaison with external auditors and internal auditors to perform inventory controls and provide appropriate audit evidence.
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen controls, streamline close activities, and improve data quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; MBA, CMA, or CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in cost accounting, inventory accounting, or manufacturing finance, preferably in a complex or global environment.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and inventory concepts under U.S. GAAP, including standard costing and variance analysis.
• Experience supporting physical inventory counts, E&O reserves, and SOX-compliant controls.
• Advanced Excel skills (analysis, modeling, complex formulas) and experience working with ERP systems; Oracle experience strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate detailed cost data into clear insights.
• A hands‑on, “roll‑up‑your‑sleeves” approach with the ability to partner effectively across finance and operations.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in cost accounting and inventory management, with a strong focus on U.S. GAAP compliance, variance analysis, and process improvement. Proficient in advanced Excel and ERP systems, particularly Oracle, to enhance financial reporting and operational decision‑making.