Manufacturing Cost Accountant

American Lithium Energy (ALE); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

American Lithium Energy (ALE) in Vista, CA, is hiring a Manufacturing Cost Accountant for on-site support in the San Diego area. You will analyze manufacturing costs, track variances, and maintain cost records for production activities, assisting with month-end close and inventory reconciliations.

You will collaborate with operations, engineering, and finance to improve efficiency, support pricing decisions, and strengthen financial performance through data-driven insights.

Qualifications

• Strong cost accounting skills with standard costing and variance analysis.
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial statements and cost reports.
• Experience with journal entries and general ledger in manufacturing.
• Analytical mindset to interpret production data and support decisions.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis understanding.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing costs, track variances, and maintain cost records.
• Prepare and review journal entries; support month-end close.
• Reconcile inventory and cost accounts; monitor standard costs.
• Develop standard costs and monitor actual vs. budgeted expenses.
• Prepare cost-related financial reports for management with insights.

Skills

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Inventory valuation

Analytical skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Cost-benefit analysis

Communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or CMA (plus)

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

General ledger software

Job description

Company Description American Lithium Energy (ALE) is a Vista, California-based manufacturer of advanced, U.S.-engineered lithium-ion battery cells. Founded in 2006, the company specializes in high-energy density and ultra-safe cells for mission-critical sectors like aerospace, defense, and electric flight, featuring technologies like Zero Volt Technology and SafeCore.

Role Description This full-time, on-site Manufacturing Cost Accountant role is based in the San Diego Metropolitan Area and supports ALE’s battery production operations. The professional in this position will analyze manufacturing costs, track material, labor, and overhead variances, and maintain accurate cost records for production activities. Responsibilities include preparing and reviewing journal entries, supporting month-end close, and reconciling inventory and cost accounts. The role involves assisting with the development of standard costs, monitoring actual vs. budgeted manufacturing expenses, and preparing cost-related financial reports for management. The Manufacturing Cost Accountant will collaborate with operations, engineering, and finance teams to provide data-driven insights that improve efficiency, support pricing decisions, and strengthen overall financial performance.

Qualifications

• Strong cost accounting skills, including experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation.
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial statements and related cost reports.
• Proficiency in journal entries and general ledger accounting within a manufacturing environment.
• Solid analytical skills with the capacity to interpret complex production data and support financial decision-making.
• Foundational finance knowledge, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; professional certification (e.g., CPA, CMA) is a plus.
• Experience with ERP and manufacturing cost systems; advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis) are beneficial.
• Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and the capability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams in an on-site manufacturing setting.
• Prior experience in clean energy, battery manufacturing, or related industrial sectors is preferred.