Inventory & Cost Accountant

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

LEL International is seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Cost Accountant to support financial operations within our manufacturing environment. This position is responsible for monitoring production costs, maintaining accurate inventory valuations, analyzing manufacturing variances, and providing financial insights that improve operational efficiency and profitability.

The ideal candidate will have experience in manufacturing, industrial, or warehouse operations , possess strong analytical skills, and be comfortable working cross-functionally with production, purchasing, engineering, and operations teams. This role requires occasional travel (up to 20%) to support remote facilities, perform inventory audits, and assist with process improvements.

Essential Responsibilities

• Maintain and analyze product standard costs and update cost structures as needed.
• Prepare monthly manufacturing cost reports, variance analyses, and inventory reconciliations.
• Analyze labor, material, overhead, and production variances while identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Partner with Operations, Production, Purchasing, and Engineering to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs.
• Perform inventory valuation, cycle count analysis, and assist with physical inventory counts.
• Ensure inventory transactions are accurately recorded within the ERP system.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing KPIs and dashboards for executive leadership.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning related to manufacturing operations.
• Review Bills of Materials (BOMs), routing, labor standards, and manufacturing processes for costing accuracy.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and analyses.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes and recommend financial controls and process improvements.
• Travel to company facilities, warehouses, vendors, or project sites as needed (up to 20%).

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting and manufacturing cost principles.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (PivotTables, Power Query, Lookups, financial modeling).
• Experience working with ERP systems (preferably Epicor, QuickBooks, or similar).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Preferred

• Experience with lean manufacturing environments.
• Experience with warehouse or inventory management operations.
• Experience with Power BI or other business intelligence/reporting platforms.
• Familiarity with standard costing, job costing, and project accounting.
• Experience implementing process improvements and cost reduction initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of GAAP and cost accounting principles.
• Ability to interpret manufacturing and operational data.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities.
• High level of integrity and professionalism when handling confidential financial information.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build relationships across departments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to walk production floors and warehouse facilities.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel by automobile and commercial airline as required.

Why Join LEL International?

At LEL International, we build industry-leading generator enclosures through innovation, craftsmanship, and teamwork. We believe in our core values:

• Love People
• Embrace the Challenge
• Leave It Better

Our Cost Accountant plays a vital role in supporting strategic decision-making, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring the financial health of our manufacturing operations.