Inventory Controller - External Vendors

The Inventory Controller - External Vendors is responsible for overseeing all virtual vendor inventory balances andtransaction activity across systems and external vendor manufacturing locations, with a focus on loose stone (diamond,gemstone, pearl) inventory supplied for production. This role serves as the central control point for inventory visibility,reconciliation, and integrity, ensuring inventory outcomes are accurate, validated, and aligned with financial reportingand audit requirements. The Inventory Controller owns the end-to-end validation and reconciliation of inventorypositions, ensuring discrepancies are investigated, documented, and resolved to closure. By developing a comprehensiveunderstanding of the processes and cross-functional activities that drive inventory transactions, this role drivescollaboration and accountability to maintain inventory accuracy, minimize discrepancies and loss, and ensure sustainedaudit compliance.Key AccountabilitiesVirtual Vendor Inventory Control & VisibilityOwn end-to-end visibility and control of inventory positions across all virtual vendor locations, ensuring alignment between operational, system, and financial recordsTrack and validate inventory movement, including transfer transactions between internal systems and vendor locations, ensuring full traceability and transaction integrityOversee vendor branch inventory (e.g., TIFCOMP, SSTOCK), including ad hoc counts and validation activitiesManage vendor loss requests and execute inventory adjustments in compliance with control standardsPartner with Diamond & Gem Supply Planning to monitor safety stock levels and coordinate replenishment actionsIdentify and escalate risks impacting inventory accuracy, discrepancies, and loss, ensuring adherence to SOX, CODC, and internal control requirementsInventory Reconciliation, Audit & Discrepancy ClosureOwn end-to-end reconciliation of inventory balances between internal systems and vendor-reported inventoryPrepare reconciliation outputs supporting financial reporting and audit validation, ensuring results are accurate and approval-readyConsolidate discrepancy findings and validate inventory impacts, leveraging root cause analysis provided by the Diamond & Gemstone Operations AnalystsTroubleshoot and resolve Work Order status 94 (WO94) issues impacting inventory alignment 40%Drive timely resolution and closure of discrepancies and develop variance explanations and adjustment recommendations for Management reviewInventory Control Enhancement & Cross-Functional AlignmentIdentify control gaps and transaction integrity risks impacting virtual vendor inventoryTranslate reconciliation findings into targeted inventory control enhancements to reduce discrepancy risk and improve transaction integrityDevelop a holistic understanding of cross-functional processes (Planning, Operations, Product Development, IT, etc.) that drive inventory transactions, ensuring control alignment across inputsPartner cross-functionally (Finance, IT, Planning, Operations, USGDC, PD, IDP) to embed control requirements and improve end-to-end transaction flowMonitor control effectiveness and provide visibility into risks, trends, and improvement actions to ManagementRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree (Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain, or related field)5+ years of experience in inventory control, audit, finance, or supply chain operations, with demonstrated ownership of reconciliation and control processesStrong experience with inventory reconciliation and discrepancy resolution; or audit support and control frameworks (e.g., SOX, CODC)Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand complex transaction flows across systems and processesAdvanced proficiency in Excel and experience working with ERP systems (e.g., JDE or equivalent)Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally and influence stakeholders across Operations, Finance, IT, Planning, and Product teamsStrong communication skills, with the ability to connect operational details to inventory outcomes and control requirementsPreferred QualificationsExperience supporting or leading inventory audits, cycle count programs, and variance investigationsFamiliarity with stone, component, or product-level, multi-location inventory management in a manufacturing or supply chain environmentExposure to process mapping or end-to-end workflow analysis across multiple functionsLean / Six Sigma or continuous improvement experienceThe hiring range for this position ranges from $108,000 - $127,500. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates' relevant skills and experience.