Senior Cost Manager

Position Summary The Senior Cost & Inventory Manager is responsible for leading cost accounting and inventory control activities to ensure accurate product costing, inventory valuation, and financial reporting. This role partners closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance leadership to improve cost visibility, strengthen internal controls, and support strategic decision-making within a manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Oversee inventory accounting and ensure GAAP-compliant inventory valuation Prepare journal entries, account reconciliations, and audit support documentation Analyze manufacturing productivity, cost performance, and financial results Lead the monthly close process related to inventory and cost accounting, including cost review packages, KPIs, and operational metrics Maintain and update financial models, templates, and reporting tools used internally and externally Prepare and update financial and operational forecasts, including variance analysis Develop cost and opportunity analyses to support business decisions Monitor and validate financial data across consolidated systems supporting manufacturing operations Participate in cross-functional initiatives focused on continuous improvement Design, monitor, and audit internal controls related to inventory and manufacturing costs, recommending corrective actions as needed Lead planning activities for assigned manufacturing operations and drive accountability to achieve operating plan targets Support budgeting, forecasting, and Annual Operating Plan (AOP) processes Coordinate physical inventory counts and investigate discrepancies Serve as a subject matter expert in cost accounting principles, inventory valuation methods, and GAAP compliance Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, cost drivers, margin analysis, and productivity metrics Ability to analyze complex financial and operational data and translate insights into actionable recommendations Proven experience building and maintaining strong internal controls and audit readiness Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills, including variance, cost, and performance analysis Experience working with ERP and consolidated financial systems, ensuring data accuracy and system integrity Strong ownership mindset with the ability to lead planning and forecasting processes Excellent organizational and time management skills in a deadline-driven environment Clear communication skills, with the ability to present financial results to both finance and non-finance stakeholders High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required CPA, CMA, or MBA preferred 7-10 years of progressive experience in cost accounting and inventory management, preferably in a manufacturing environment Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan.

Additional disclaimer:

Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.