Cost Accounting Manager

SUMMARY

This is a critical, hands-on leadership role for a seasoned and mature manufacturing cost professional. The Costing Manager will be deeply embedded in our production operations, responsible for a complete deep-dive into our cost structure to drive significant savings. This is not just a desk job; it is a "roll-up-your-sleeves" position requiring a leader who can integrate seamlessly with the production team on the factory floor. We are looking for a dedicated professional whose commitment and maturity are their greatest assets, backed by decades of experience. The willingness to work extending hours when needed.

Candidate should be prepared to be fully on-site in Lancaster with occasional travel to the Pasadena office as needed.

• You will lead a team of 2-3 cost accountants/analysts.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Responsibilities:

• Deep-Dive Analysis & Integration: Fully immerse yourself in the manufacturing process to gain a granular understanding of all cost drivers. Partner directly with production, engineering, and supply chain teams to identify inefficiencies.
• Cost Reduction & COGS Optimization: Develop and execute strategies to drive tangible cost savings. Lead the charge on optimizing the cost structure to aggressively reduce the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), focusing on direct material, labor, and overhead.
• Inventory Optimization: Analyze inventory levels, carrying costs, and turnover. Implement processes for managing inventory to improve cash flow and reduce waste, including oversight of cycle count programs and analysis of excess and obsolete inventory.
• Standard Costing & Variance Analysis: Establish and maintain a robust standard costing system. Perform detailed variance analysis (purchase price, material usage, labor efficiency, etc.) and provide actionable insights to leadership.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, manage, and mentor a team of 2-3 cost accountants. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and deep operational partnership.

COMPETENCIES:

Ethical Conduct, Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Leadership, Effective communication skills, Effective order and report writing. Financial Management; Performance Management; Ethical Conduct and Thoroughness.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This job operates in a clerical, office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

This is a largely sedentary role; however, some filing is required, which would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

The accounting manager manages all employees of the accounting department and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within that department

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area travel may be expected.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience: Decades of progressive experience in manufacturing cost accounting is required. Proven experience in a supervisory or management role is mandatory.
• Education: A Bachelor's degree is secondary; your extensive and relevant professional experience is paramount.
• Technical Skills: Mastery of standard costing, Bill of Materials (BOM) management, variance analysis, and inventory valuation is expected. Proficiency with ERP systems is required.
• Professional Attributes:
• Maturity & Dedication: You are a seasoned professional who leads by example with a calm, steady presence. Your primary motivation is the success of the company and your team.
• Incredible Work Ethic: You understand that building something new requires a profound commitment, and you are willing and able to dedicate the long hours necessary to drive results.
• Hands-On Mentality: You are as comfortable on the factory floor as you are in a spreadsheet and believe that true understanding comes from direct observation and collaboration.
• Pragmatic Leader: You are a practical problem-solver focused on tangible outcomes over theory, with a proven ability to mentor and develop a small, high-impact team.

Pay Range:

$90,000-$110,000 Annually