Cost Accountant – Inventory, Forecasting

Benefits:

• vacation pay
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Position Summary

The Cost Accountant will play a key role in managing inventory accounting, forecasting inventory needs, and analyzing cost data to ensure accurate product margins and valuation. This position will support production and procurement teams through detailed inventory analytics and forecasting models to maintain optimal stock levels and improve cost efficiency. Additionally, this role is responsible for preparing timely and accurate customer invoices and supporting the month-end close process.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical and Excel skills, experience in cost and inventory accounting, and an interest in cross-functional collaboration between accounting, production, and supply chain. This position also offers opportunities for professional growth in sales tax filings, balance sheet reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and intercompany reconciliations.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory & Cost Accounting

• Maintain and reconcile the inventory subledger to the general ledger.
• Analyze material, labor, and overhead costs to ensure accurate product costing.
• Prepare monthly inventory valuation reports and variance analyses.
• Review purchase price variances and identify root causes.
• Support the capitalization of labor and burden into inventory.
• Partner with operations and supply chain teams to monitor inventory adjustments, cycle counts, and inventory accuracy.
• Support the annual physical inventory and assist with related reporting.

Inventory Forecasting & Planning

• Develop and maintain forecasting models to project inventory needs based on sales trends, production schedules, and procurement lead times.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure sufficient materials and components are available to meet manufacturing demands.
• Analyze historical sales and usage data to identify seasonality, trends, and potential shortages or excesses.
• Partner with procurement to improve purchasing decisions and reduce carrying costs.
• Provide regular reports to management on forecast accuracy, demand variability, and inventory turns.
• Support sales planning initiatives by aligning inventory forecasts with projected sales and promotional activity.

Analytics & Reporting

• Build and maintain advanced Excel models to track inventory trends, margin performance, and cost movements.
• Develop dashboards and management reports that integrate sales, production, and inventory data.
• Identify opportunities to enhance cost visibility, process efficiency, and financial accuracy.

Customer Invoicing

• Generate and review customer invoices for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure invoices reflect correct pricing, shipping terms, and quantities.
• Collaborate with sales and customer service to resolve billing discrepancies.
• Monitor accounts receivable aging related to invoice accuracy or timing issues.

Month-End Close & Compliance

• Prepare and post journal entries for inventory-related accounts.
• Assist with accruals, reconciliations, and audit support.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and accounting policies.

Additional Learning & Development Opportunities

• Gain experience preparing sales tax filings for multiple jurisdictions.
• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and assist with month-end reviews.
• Support bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Participate in intercompany reconciliations to ensure accurate reporting across entities.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 1–3 years of accounting experience preferred: cost or inventory accounting experience a plus.
• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, or consumer products industries preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, nested formulas, data analysis, forecasting tools).
• Strong understanding of cost accounting and inventory valuation methods (FIFO, standard cost, etc.).
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, GP, NetSuite, SAP).
• Knowledge of forecasting techniques and demand planning concepts preferred.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communicator with cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.