Sr. Cost Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Sr. Cost Accountant to join our client's team in Portland, Oregon on a Contract to permanent basis. This role is ideal for an experience Cost Accounting professional who can bring strong inventory accounting expertise, strengthen cost processes, and introduce effective controls in an environment that needs greater structure. The position will play a key role in improving the financial oversight of inventory, supporting operational accuracy, and preparing the organization for reliable year-end count activities.

Responsibilities:

• Lead cost accounting activities with a strong focus on inventory valuation, cost analysis, and financial accuracy across inventory-related transactions.

• Review and resolve accounting issues involving stock and non-stock items, including improving the treatment and cleanup of non-stock records.

• Evaluate current inventory costing practices and provide support in environments using different costing approaches such as average cost and replacement-based methods.

• Establish and document practical accounting procedures and internal controls to create a more consistent and reliable inventory accounting framework.

• Partner with finance and operational teams to improve visibility into inventory activity and ensure accounting records align with business operations.

• Analyze inventory-related financial data to identify discrepancies, recommend corrective actions, and support stronger reporting accuracy.

• Prepare for and support year-end inventory counts, including reconciliation efforts and follow-up on variances.

• Create clear process documentation to support sustainable accounting practices and ongoing compliance.

• Extensive experience in cost accounting, with a strong background in inventory accounting and valuation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of stock versus non-stock item accounting and the financial implications of each.
• Hands-on experience with standard costing, cost analysis, and activity-based costing principles.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and improve accounting processes, controls, and operational procedures.
• Strong understanding of the financial and accounting treatment of inventory within a business environment.
• Experience investigating discrepancies, reconciling inventory data, and supporting physical inventory counts.
• Ability to document processes clearly and communicate effectively with both finance and operational stakeholders.