Strategic Inventory Cost Lead — GAAP & Variance Mastery

MGM Transformer LLC; Vernon (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Forgent Power in Vernon, CA is seeking a Sr Inventory Cost Accountant to oversee inventory valuation, product costing, and manufacturing cost analysis. You will support month-end close, analyze variances, and partner with Operations and Supply Chain to improve cost transparency and financial performance.

This role emphasizes strong internal controls, GAAP compliance, and continuous improvement of costing and inventory processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 47+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 2 years in cost accounting or manufacturing finance
• Strong understanding of GAAP, inventory valuation methods, standard costing, and cost accounting principles
• Advanced Excel skills with proficiency in analyzing large datasets
• Experience performing complex reconciliations and variance analyses
• Strong communication skills with cross-functional teams
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines

Responsibilities

• Maintain and reconcile inventory balances across all locations, including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Monitor and validate inventory transactions to ensure accurate costing and allocation.
• Calculate and maintain standard costs; assist in annual cost roll-ups and BOM reviews.
• Analyze and reconcile variances including purchase price variance (PPV), manufacturing variance, and labor/overhead absorption.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare and review journal entries related to inventory, COGS, accruals, and manufacturing activities.
• Complete monthly inventory reconciliations and prepare supporting schedules for financial statements.
• Analyze cost trends and provide insights into margin fluctuations and operational performance.
• Assist with quarterly and annual financial audits related to inventory and manufacturing accounting.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Engineering to evaluate costing impacts of process changes, scrap, waste, and productivity improvements.
• Provide analysis for make/buy decisions, cost savings initiatives, and capital investment reviews.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen internal controls, and improve data accuracy.
• Support implementation of ERP enhancements, costing modules, and system upgrades.
• Ensure adherence to GAAP, company accounting policies, and cost accounting standards.
• Maintain and enforce strong internal controls around inventory and manufacturing processes.
• Support the development of policies and procedures related to inventory, costing, and financial operations.

Skills

Advanced Excel

GAAP

Inventory valuation

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Reconciliations

ERP systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

Tools

ERP systems

Costing modules

Job description

Forgent Power in Vernon, CA is seeking a Sr Inventory Cost Accountant to oversee inventory valuation, product costing, and manufacturing cost analysis. You will support month-end close, analyze variances, and partner with Operations and Supply Chain to improve cost transparency and financial performance.

This role emphasizes strong internal controls, GAAP compliance, and continuous improvement of costing and inventory processes.