Senior Cost Accountant

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Benefits package (medical, dental, vis

401(k) and paid time off

Job summary

Ledgent is seeking a Senior Cost Accountant in Los Angeles to analyze and report product and operational costs. This role collaborates with manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and finance to ensure inventory accuracy and cost control, driving profitability through detailed cost analysis.

You will monitor standard costs, perform variance analyses, and support month-end close while partnering with leadership on cost-saving initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Dynamics, or similar platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze standard costs, including labor, material, and overhead rates.
• Perform monthly inventory reconciliations and ensure inventory valuation accuracy.
• Prepare and analyze cost variance reports, including purchase price, labor, usage, and manufacturing variances.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Monitor costs to identify trends, risks, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop and maintain product costing models for existing and new products.
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Conduct inventory cycle count reviews and support annual physical inventories.
• Evaluate inventory reserves, excess and obsolete inventory, and related accounting entries.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and internal controls.
• Partner with operations leadership to improve manufacturing efficiency and cost management.
• Prepare reports and presentations for management on cost performance and profitability.
• Support ERP system enhancements, process improvements, and automation initiatives.
• Assist auditors with requested financial documentation.

Skills

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

GAAP knowledge

Excel

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA/CMA/MBA preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

Dynamics

Power BI

Tableau

Advanced Excel

Job description

The Senior Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing, monitoring, and reporting product and operational costs to support accurate financial reporting and strategic business decision-making. This role partners closely with manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and finance teams to ensure inventory accuracy, cost control, and continuous process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze standard costs, including labor, material, and overhead rates.
• Perform monthly inventory reconciliations and ensure inventory valuation accuracy.
• Prepare and analyze cost variance reports, including purchase price, labor, usage, and manufacturing variances.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Monitor manufacturing and operational costs to identify trends, risks, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop and maintain product costing models for existing and new products.
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
• Conduct inventory cycle count reviews and support annual physical inventories.
• Evaluate inventory reserves, excess and obsolete inventory, and related accounting entries.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, company policies, and internal controls.
• Partner with operations leadership to improve manufacturing efficiency and cost management.
• Prepare reports and presentations for management regarding cost performance and profitability.
• Support ERP system enhancements, process improvements, and automation initiatives.
• Assist internal and external auditors with requested financial documentation and analyses.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of cost accounting experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of standard costing, inventory accounting, and variance analysis.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Dynamics, or similar platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and financial modeling.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Knowledge of GAAP and internal control procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred.
• Experience in multi-site manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau.

Key Competencies

• Financial Analysis
• Cost Management
• Inventory Control
• Variance Analysis
• Business Partnership
• Attention to Detail
• Process Improvement
• Strategic Thinking

Compensation

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off

This position is ideal for an experienced accounting professional who thrives in a manufacturing environment and enjoys driving profitability through detailed cost analysis and operational partnership.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.