Inventory and Cost Accounting Manager

Inventory and Cost Accounting ManagerTorrance, California, United StatesInventory and Cost Accounting ManagerCastelion is bringing a new approach to defense development and production: one that focuses on short, iterative design cycles, rapid testing in development, and modern commercial manufacturing strategies for production at scale. We're designing, building, and testing next generation long range strike weapons systems to give America and its Allies a definitive edge and deter future conflicts.The Inventory and Cost Accounting Manager will play a key role in leading, developing, and analyzing inventory and cost-related activities in a dynamic manufacturing environment. This individual will be responsible for ensuring accurate inventory records, maintaining inventory reconciliations, analyzing standard vs. actual costs, and working closely with the production and engineering teams to ensure accurate and timely routing updates. Proficiency in NetSuite Inventory Management, Manufacturo MES, or comparable systems is strongly preferred.ResponsibilitiesInventory Management & ReportingOversee all aspects of inventory accounting, including inventory tracking of raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods, sub-ledger maintenance, and develop inventory accounting procedures to ensure accuracy and efficiencyPerform monthly and year-end inventory reconciliations including raw materials, WIP, finished goods in NetSuite and Manufacturo, investigate and resolve variancesManage the inventory month-end close process including preparation and approval of journal entries, roll forward schedules, and financial account reconciliationsPerform quarterly lower of cost or net realizable value assessment and maintain reserves for excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory in accordance with US GAAPAct as primary finance liaison in physical inventory counts, review cycle count results, and investigate variances as neededIdentify inventory valuation discrepancies and coordinate resolution across departmentsCost Accounting & AnalysisDevelop and maintain standard cost structures for materials, labor, and overhead NetSuite Inventory ManagementPerform monthly cost roll-ups and lead standard vs. actual cost variance analysis (purchase price, usage, labor, overhead); investigate root causes and recommend corrective actions to leadershipEnsure the accuracy of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and routings within NetSuite Inventory Management to maintain precise product costingCollaborate with supply chain and manufacturing stakeholders to prepare and analyze manufacturing costs and margin reports to provide accurate insights for pricing decision-makingDevelop cost accounting procedures and implement best practices to improve accuracy and efficiencyPrepare and provide cost-related documentation and analysis for external auditsBasic RequirementsBachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or related fieldMinimum 5 years of cost accounting experience in a manufacturing environmentProficiency in NetSuite Inventory Management or similar ERP is requiredStrong understanding of US GAAP, including ASC 330, and standard costing methodologiesExperience with inventory reconciliation, cycle counting, and physical inventory proceduresStrong understanding of standard cost vs. actual cost analysis, variance reporting, and cost controlExperience with routing, BOM validation, and cross-collaboration with supply chain, manufacturing, and engineering stakeholdersAudit Experience (external or internal)Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups)Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skillsHigh attention to detail with a proactive, problem-solving mindsetPreferred Skills and ExperienceCPA PreferredExposure to early-stage, vertically integrated manufacturing environmentsInterest in or passion for national security, aerospace, and building hardware that mattersAll employees are granted long-term stock incentives as part of their employment at Castelion. All employees receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance, and the company offers four weeks of paid time off per year.Leadership QualitiesBias to Action and Creative Problem Solving. Desire and experience questioning assumptions in ways that lead to break through ideas that are ultimately implemented. Successfully bring in applicable processes/concepts/materials from other industries to achieve efficiency gains. Ability to personally resolve minor issues in development without requiring significant support.High Commitment, High Initiative. A successful candidate will have a genuine passion for Castelion's mission and consistently look for ways to contribute to the company's technical goals and prevent hardware blockers. Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere. Strong sense of accountability and integrity.Clear Communicator. Proactively communicates blockers. Trusted in previous roles to be voice of company with regulators, suppliers, gate keepers and customers. Capable of tactfully managing relationships with stakeholders to achieve company-desired outcomes without compromising relationships. Emails, IMs and verbal interactions are logical, drive clarity, and detailed enough to eliminate ambiguity.ITAR Requirements:To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.