Inventory and Cost Accounting Manager

Ignited Recruiting; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ignited Recruiting is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant to lead inventory and cost accounting in a fast-paced manufacturing environment in Los Angeles. You will ensure accurate inventory records, perform cost analyses, and partner with operations and engineering to support product costing.

This onsite management role requires 5+ years of cost accounting in manufacturing, proficiency with NetSuite or similar ERP, strong US GAAP knowledge, and ability to travel up to 25% to out-of-state plants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline; CPA a plus.
• 5+ years of cost accounting experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite or equivalent strongly preferred).
• Solid understanding of US GAAP, including inventory accounting (ASC 330) and standard costing.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end inventory accounting processes for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods; maintain sub-ledger integrity and scalable procedures.
• Perform monthly and annual inventory reconciliations and investigate discrepancies.
• Own the inventory close process, including journal entries, roll-forwards, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Evaluate LCNRV and maintain reserves for excess/obsolete items per US GAAP.
• Support and oversee physical inventory counts and cycle counts; analyze results and resolve variances.
• Develop and maintain standard cost models across materials, labor, and overhead in the ERP system.
• Lead monthly cost roll-ups and detailed variance analysis; report findings to management.
• Collaborate with supply chain and manufacturing teams to analyze production costs and margins.
• Establish and enhance cost accounting policies, processes, and internal controls.
• Provide documentation to support internal and external audits.

Skills

Cost accounting

Inventory management

Variance analysis

US GAAP

ERP systems

Financial reporting

Audit support

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

This role is responsible for leading inventory and cost accounting functions within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The position focuses on ensuring accurate inventory records, performing cost analysis, and partnering cross-functionally with operations and engineering teams to support accurate product costing and reporting. Experience with ERP and manufacturing execution systems is highly valued.

* Onsite Management position with some travel @ 25% to manufacturing plant(s) out of state.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end inventory accounting processes, including raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods; maintain sub-ledger integrity and establish scalable procedures
• Perform monthly and annual inventory reconciliations across systems; investigate discrepancies and implement corrective actions
• Own the inventory close process, including journal entries, roll-forwards, and balance sheet reconciliations
• Evaluate inventory for lower of cost or net realizable value (LCNRV) and maintain appropriate reserves for excess and obsolete items in accordance with US GAAP
• Support and oversee physical inventory counts and cycle count programs; analyze results and resolve variances
• Develop and maintain standard cost models across materials, labor, and overhead within the ERP system
• Lead monthly cost roll-ups and perform detailed variance analysis (purchase price, usage, labor, overhead); communicate findings and recommendations to management
• Collaborate with supply chain and manufacturing teams to analyze production costs and margins, supporting pricing and operational decisions
• Establish and enhance cost accounting policies, processes, and internal controls
• Provide documentation and analysis to support internal and external audit requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline (CPA Certification a plus)
• 5+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing setting
• Experience with ERP systems (NetSuite or equivalent strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of US GAAP, including inventory accounting (ASC 330) and standard costing principles
• Hands-on experience with inventory reconciliations, cycle counts, and physical inventory processes
• Strong analytical capabilities, including variance analysis and cost controls
• Audit experience (internal or external)
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and communication skills