Cost Accountant

The Cost Accountant supports the financial integrity of supply chain operations, including purchasing, inventory management, warehousing, distribution, and wholesale activities. This role is responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely recording, reconciliation, and analysis of inventory and supply chain–related transactions across enterprise systems. The position partners closely with Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Operations, and Finance to maintain accurate inventory valuation, analyze cost of goods sold and purchase price variances, and support reporting that informs operational and financial decision-making. The SASC also assists with month-end close activities, inventory controls, and process improvements to strengthen financial reporting and internal controls related to supply chain activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate inventory balances and valuation, including monitoring inventory receipts, movements, and adjustments.
• Prepare and review inventory and account reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Analyze cost of goods sold (COGS), purchase price variances, and inventory reserves, identifying trends and potential financial risks.
• Partner with Purchasing, Accounts Payable, and Operations to ensure accurate recording of inventory transactions, proper GL coding by SKU type, and alignment between purchase orders, receipts, and invoices.
• Prepare and record journal entries related to inventory, accruals, and supply chain transactions in support of the monthly close process.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, providing insights to Supply Chain leadership to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Monitor and evaluate inventory-related risks such as negative inventory balances, cost anomalies, and unusual fluctuations, and recommend corrective actions.
• Support physical inventory counts and cycle count programs, ensuring appropriate documentation and reconciliation of variances.
• Assist with audit requests, and documentation of accounting procedures related to supply chain and inventory activities.
• Develop and maintain benchmarks, and reporting to measure supply chain financial performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory accounting processes, reporting, and internal controls, partnering with operations, purchasing, and IT to resolve root causes and implement improvements.
• Ensure the integrity of supporting databases, internal controls, and financial reporting processes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and accounting practices related to cost accounting, and financial reporting.
• Working knowledge of inventory accounting concepts, including inventory valuation methods, cost of goods sold (COGS), purchase price variance (PPV), and inventory reserves.
• Proficiency in account reconciliation, variance analysis, and financial analysis, with the ability to identify trends, discrepancies, and potential financial risks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate discrepancies and determine root causes across purchasing, inventory, and financial systems.
• Ability to interpret and analyze large data sets related to inventory movements, transactions, and operational activity.
• company policies and procedures.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Operations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines, particularly during month-end close and reporting cycles.
• Ability to document accounting processes and maintain clear supporting documentation for reconciliations, audit requests, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of internal controls and financial reporting processes, with the ability to identify opportunities for process improvements and strengthen controls.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, data integrity, and compliance with
• Proficiency with ERP systems, financial systems, and Microsoft Excel, including the ability to perform data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in accounting, finance, or a closely related field required.
• Professional certification such as CPA, CMA, or progress toward certification is preferred.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience supporting supply chain, inventory, or operational accounting functions preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This position primarily operates in an office environment.
• Regular use of standard office equipment and tools applicable to the role is required.
• Regularly required to communicate verbally and listen/hear effectively.
• May be required to stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools, or controls.
• Occasionally may be required to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds and reach with hands and arms.