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 extended hours when needed.

This role requires a significant on-site presence at our Lancaster manufacturing facility.

• Candidates residing near Lancaster are expected to be on-site daily, with one required day per week at our Pasadena headquarters.
• Candidates residing in the greater Los Angeles metro area must be on-site in Lancaster at least three days per week.
• 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, and Effective order and report writing. Financial Management; Performance Management; Ethical Conduct and Thoroughness.

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