Senior Cost Accountant

Who we are:  

We're transforming one of the world’s oldest industries with cutting-edge technology and an innovative approach. Backed by top-tier investors and recognized by Time as one of the "best Inventions of 2024" and Fast Company as one of 2024's "Next Big Things in Tech", Electra is scaling rapidly, and we're looking for bold, driven individuals to help us reshape the future of iron production. If you're ready to make a real impact in a company that's redefining heavy industry for a cleaner, smarter world, we want to hear from you.

What you will do:  

The Senior Cost Accountant is a highly visible, high-impact role within Electra’s growing accounting team—offering a unique opportunity to help build and scale world-class manufacturing accounting processes from the ground up. This role sits at the center of Electra’s transition from development to demonstration plant operations and ultimately to full-scale manufacturing. 

You will take ownership of critical cost accounting and fixed asset processes, including inventory valuation, construction-in-progress (CIP), and manufacturing cost analytics, while playing a pivotal role in shaping the systems, controls, and reporting infrastructure that will support Electra’s next phase of growth. This is a hands-on position ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is excited to drive both operational insight and process transformation. 

The Senior Cost Accountant will partner closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and FP&A to enhance cost visibility, improve accuracy, and deliver actionable insights that directly influence business decisions. You will also be a key contributor in strengthening internal controls, supporting audit readiness, and scaling accounting processes in alignment with GAAP. 

Responsibilities include:

• Fixed Asset and Construction-in-Progress Tracking: Establish and document accounting treatment, policies, and procedures for our demonstration plant assets that are constructed and placed-in-service including depreciation, internal cost allocations, and disposals
• Cost Accounting System Development: Establish and maintain robust cost accounting systems to track raw materials, labor, and overhead costs in accordance with GAAP inventory methods. Serve as the accounting liaison for NetSuite enhancements, testing, and system changes impacting inventory
• Inventory & WIP Management: Monitor work-in-process (WIP) and inventory levels. Support monthly/quarterly physical inventory counts and reconcile discrepancies  
• Variance Analysis: Analyze manufacturing variances (material, labor, overhead, and purchase price) and communicate findings to Finance and Operations management to drive process improvements 
• Month-End Close: Lead month-end close activities, including preparing journal entries and reconciling inventory sub-ledgers to the general ledger 
• Profitability & Margin Analysis: Prepare monthly gross margin reports by product, customer, and production job to assist in pricing strategies 
• Process Improvement: Partner with FP&A, Operations, and Supply Chain to assess cost changes and downstream financial impact. Identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase efficiency in production and purchasing 
• Controls, Risk & Audit:  
  • Own inventory-related internal controls, including documentation, testing, and periodic self-assessment
  • Serve as a key accounting contact for financial and inventory-related audits; support audit requests and resolution of findings
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP and company inventory accounting policies
  • Develop, document, and maintain inventory accounting policies and procedures
  • Assist with monitoring the cycle count program, execute the year-end physical inventory, and report results. You will be responsible for reconciling raw material and finished goods inventories
• System Implementation: Assist in ERP/software implementation or optimization to ensure accurate costing data

What we need you to bring to the team:   

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field 
• 8+ years of progressive experience in construction-in-progress, inventory accounting, cost accounting, or manufacturing accounting environments, including direct ownership of inventory valuation, reconciliations, and reporting process. Candidates with an active CPA license and highly relevant experience may be considered with 5+ years of experience 
• Advanced knowledge of inventory costing and valuation methodologies within process and discrete manufacturing environments, including Weighted Average Cost, Standard Cost, and FIFO methodologies 
• Demonstrated ability to apply advanced professional accounting knowledge, business acumen, and analytical skills to resolve complex accounting and operational issues  
• Strong variance analysis, problem-solving, and root cause identification skills, with the ability to proactively develop practical and effective solutions 
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including experience with large datasets, pivot tables, lookup functions, and financial analysis tools 
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems, preferably NetSuite, including ownership of inventory-related workflows, reconciliations, reporting, and process improvements 
• Ability to analyze complex situations and exercise sound professional judgment in selecting methods, adapting techniques, and determining appropriate procedures for new or evolving assignments  
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with shifting business needs  
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, including the ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to cross-functional stakeholders 
• Experience mentoring junior team members, leading internal initiatives or projects, and influencing business decisions without direct people management responsibility 
• High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and commitment to accuracy and continuous improvement