Sr. Manager Cost Accounting and Inventory Control

JOB SUMMARY:

The Sr. Manager of Ops Accounting (Cost Accounting & Inventory Control) is responsible for leading the company’s cost accounting and inventory control activities, ensuring accurate financial reporting, budgeting and adherence to internal controls. This role drives inventory valuation, cost of goods sold (COGS) analysis, cost planning, and process compliance while partnering with key stakeholders across operations, supply chain, and finance. Through effective team leadership, the Sr. Manager delivers actionable insights, fosters accountability, and supports the company’s financial and operational objectives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads ATC’s Cost Accounting and Inventory Valuation activities, ensuring that the company’s cost structure is accurately reflected in financial reports. This includes ensuring timely, accurate, and complete accounting, budgeting, and reporting of inventory and cost of goods sold (COGS) for all of ATC’s US operations.

• Oversees the timely, accurate, and complete accounting of inventory and COGS for all of ATC’s US operations, with attention to detail in reconciling discrepancies and implementing corrective actions when necessary.

• Manages the month-end closing process related to inventory and COGS, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet deadlines and ensure accurate financial reporting.

• Facilitates ad-hoc reporting and company-wide COGS reviews, providing actionable insights to Operations stakeholders and senior management to drive informed decision-making and operational improvements.

• Continuously evaluates and improves the efficiency and effectiveness of cost accounting and reporting processes, aligning them with best practices and industry standards.

• Additionally, manages the calculation of duties, tariffs, and establishment of variable and fixed overhead rates to ensure accurate cost allocation and compliance with financial reporting requirements.

• Oversees ATC’s Inventory Control process, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborates with the Supervisor of Inventory Control and Operations stakeholders to formalize and implement comprehensive inventory policies and corresponding reporting mechanisms across the organization.

• Works with cross-functional teams to standardize inventory control procedures and reporting, driving consistency and accuracy in inventory management practices.

• Partners with Operations leadership to ensure that cycle count activities are performed in accordance with ATC’s Inventory Control policy, addressing discrepancies, improving count accuracy, and ensuring compliance.

• Regularly reviews inventory trends, providing insights into inventory levels, potential shortages or overages, and areas for improvement in efficiency.

• Serves as the primary leader for ATC’s Cost Accounting and Inventory Control activities, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders such as Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Quality Control, FP&A, Corporate Accounting, and external auditors.

• Collaborates with stakeholders to align financial and operational goals, ensuring that cost accounting and inventory control activities support overall business objectives.

• Engages in proactive communication with senior leadership and operational teams to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for process improvement.

• Supports external auditors during audits by providing necessary documentation and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial statements and inventory records.

• Leads and mentors a team of Cost Accountants and the Supervisor of Inventory Control, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Builds a sense of ownership and accountability within the team, encouraging each member to take responsibility for their scope of work and contribute to the overall success of the department.

• Establishes and monitors performance metrics, ensuring that team goals align with the broader financial objectives of the organization.

• Develops a focus for the team that jointly achieves:

o Timeliness, accuracy, and completeness in financial transactions, ensuring that all entries are supported by proper documentation and meet corporate reporting deadlines.

o Financial Reporting that provides timely and actionable insights for key stakeholders, empowering decision-makers with reliable financial data.

o Full compliance with all relevant processes and control activities, ensuring adherence to accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies.

o Stakeholder relationships based in a 2-way exchange of information:

 Relevant Inventory and COGS data are provided to Operations, supporting the operational decision-making process.

 Accurate and timely information is obtained to support the integrity of ATC’s financial statements and ensure alignment with financial reporting standards.

• Fosters a continuous improvement mindset, encouraging the team to identify and implement efficiencies in inventory and cost accounting processes.

• Drives continuous improvement in cost accounting and inventory control processes, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

• Ensures compliance with all internal policies, external regulations, and audit requirements, proactively addressing any gaps or risks.

• Supports ERP system improvements, reporting tools, and automation initiatives to streamline workflows.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field

• Minimum of 7-10 years of accounting experience in a manufacturing organization or auditing of a manufacturing client

• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience leading and managing an accounting team, including performance management, coaching, and development

• Proven track record in leading and delivering on objectives that balance speed, accuracy, and compliance; with independence and autonomy

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop direct reports, including effective resource allocation

• Ability to partner with and influence cross-functional stakeholders

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, particularly in Operations and Manufacturing

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (including pivot tables, v-lookup, and advanced formulas)

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and automated reporting tools

• Attention to detail and focus on accuracy and data integrity

• Understanding of compliance standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., GAAP, internal controls)

• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities

• Experience managing audits and ensuring compliance with accounting standards

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to withstand prolonged periods sitting at a desk

• Frequent use of upper extremities to perform keyboard functions and work on a computer

• Ability to occasionally stand/walk