Senior Cost Accountant (JN -062026-425169) Woodland Hills, California
Position Summary
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.
- 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.