Lead Accountant- Inventory and Operations

At KARL STORZ, we take pride in helping patients through some of the toughest journeys of their lives. We are making contributions that matter. Regardless of your role, YOU improve patients’ lives every day Get to know us and join our teamas Lead Accountant- Inventory and Operations We are seeking a Senior Accountant as the primary finance and accounting partner for our North American warehouses. This role provides end-to-end ownership of inventory and operations accounting and serves as the key financial liaison between distribution center leadership and the broader finance organization. This is a high-autonomy position designed for a self-driven, ownership-oriented accountant who can operate independently, apply judgment, and partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and Warehouse Leadership—in an environment with no on-site finance supervision. The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting skills with a hands-on operational mindset and the ability to clearly explain financial results to non-finance stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Own all inventory-related accounting for the warehouse, ensuring accurate valuation, completeness, and proper GAAP treatment. Review and analyze inventory transactions. Maintain and assess inventory reserves (excess, obsolete, slow-moving, damaged). Ensure inventory cut-off accuracy and completeness during month-end close. Partner with Operations to investigate inventory discrepancies, identify root causes, and drive corrective actions. Support and participate in physical inventory and cycle counts, including variance analysis and control improvements. Proactively identify inventory-related risks and recommend mitigation strategies. General Accounting & Close Prepare, review, and post journal entries in accordance with company policies and GAAP. Own and reconcile assigned balance sheet accounts; investigate and resolve reconciling items timely. Lead inventory-related activities within the monthly close process, meeting deadlines with minimal oversight. Analyze and explain period-over-period variances to Finance leadership and Operations stakeholders. Prepare audit-ready documentation to support internal and external audits. Business Partnership & Site Support Act as the primary finance contact for warehouse leadership and operations teams. Provide financial insight and guidance to support operational decisions. Translate accounting/financial concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-finance partners. Build strong relationships across Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Corporate Finance. Improve financial discipline and awareness at the site through partnership and influence. Controls, Process Improvement & Ownership Assess and strengthen inventory controls and accounting processes. Identify process inefficiencies and lead improvements to enhance accuracy, controls, and scalability. Take full ownership of assigned processes and outcomes from identification through resolution. Serve as a trusted, dependable financial presence at the site, operating independently with sound judgment. Additional COGS Responsibilities Own and analyze non-inventory COGS. Prepare and review COGS accruals and estimates, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and GAAP compliance. Analyze and explain purchase price variances (price, volume, and timing drivers). Ensure appropriate accounting treatment of tariffs and duties in COGS and product cost. Support the establishment and ongoing assessment of warranty and returns reserves, including assumption validation. Provide audit-ready support and clear explanations for COGS estimates, reserves, and variances. Minimum Knowledge, Education, and Skill Requirements Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field 8+ years of relevant accounting experience with significant inventory exposure Strong understanding of GAAP, particularly inventory and COGS Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups, data analysis) Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced, operational environment Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills Preferred Qualifications Experience in distribution, manufacturing, logistics, or warehouse-intensive environments Prior experience as the primary/sole accounting or finance resource at a site ERP experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) Experience supporting physical inventories and audits CPA or progress toward certification Work Model: Hybrid – 3 days per week in office MA Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Medical / Dental / Vision including a state‑of‑the‑art wellness program and pet insurance, too! Up to 8 weeks of 100% paid company parental leave; includes maternal/ paternal leave, adoption, and fostering of a child. 401(k) retirement savings plan providing a match of 60% of the employee’s first 6% contribution (up to IRS limits) Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts Life, STD, LTD & LTC Insurance We prepay your tuition up to $5,250 per year! - Tuition pre‑reimbursement Fitness reimbursement of up to $200 annually And much more! #J-18808-Ljbffr KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG